Valdese Man Arrested After Five-Day Hit-and-Run Investigation

With the help of a community member, a five-day hit-and-run investigation in Valdese has come to an end with an arrest made. 

The driver responsible is Cody Shane Hildebran, 36, of Valdese, who was arrested on Monday, June 10, around 4:38 p.m. at the Valdese Police Department. Hildebran is facing a Class F felony hit-and-run involving a serious bodily injury. 

Around 10:29 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, the Valdese Police Department received a call regarding a man lying in the roadway on the 600 block of Eldred St. SE, said Chief Marc Sharpe.

"Valdese officers responded to that and processed the scene, along with Valdese Fire Department," said Sharpe. "The evidence collected indicated that the vehicle ran off into the grass and struck a pedestrian."

The victim was "knocked out" of his shoes, which were found several feet away from the victim along with his cell phone. 

The roadway was not well-lit and the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing. 

First responders took him to the UNC Health Blue Ridge- Valdese. He was then later airlifted to Charlotte's Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. 

After undergoing surgery, the victim had a dislocated shoulder, broken leg, fractured skull, a torn wrist tendon, and severe road rash. He is currently out of the hospital and has received 37 staples in his head. 

The investigation ensued as the police department followed leads and asked the Valdese community for help regarding the motor vehicle crash. 

On Friday, June 7, the police department received a call from a person of interest who was involved in the accident.

"There was a lot of concern so we asked for the public's help," said Sharpe. 

The driver was revealed to be Hildebran. 

Assisted by the SBI, investigators found Hildebran's vehicle, obtained a search warrant, and had SBI process the car. Additional evidence in the vehicle indicated it was involved in the hit-and-run.  The vehicle also had a caved-in passenger window, with blood on it. 

After further investigation, Hildebran was arrested and issued a $25,000 secured bond.

The investigation is ongoing, said Sharpe.