Oak Island, NC (July 04, 2026) - According to preliminary information from local reports and police statements, an Oak Island police officer was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle on the G.V. Barbee Bridge, also identified as NC-133, while investigating illegally parked vehicles during the Southport fireworks display.

The incident was reported at about 9:24 p.m. on Saturday, July 04, 2026. Officer Raymond Holleman of the Oak Island Police Department had stopped on the bridge to investigate multiple vehicles that were reportedly parked along the roadway as people watched the fireworks. Police said several vehicles were obstructing parts of the travel lane and creating a traffic hazard.

According to officials, Officer Holleman had activated the emergency blue lights on his patrol vehicle and had ensured there was room to conduct the stop. As he exited his patrol car, he was struck by a Ford Bronco driven by Jennifer Bradshaw of Southport, North Carolina. Police said the impact knocked Holleman approximately 15 feet forward and to the right of the vehicle.

Officer Holleman sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. He was later released early Sunday morning. Officials said he was able to regain his footing, call for assistance, and make contact with Bradshaw at the scene after the collision.

Officer Todd Osborne arrived to assist, and an impaired driving investigation was initiated at the scene. Local reports citing court records stated that breath test results were reported at 0.26 and 0.25. Records also indicated that Bradshaw was described as having a strong odor of alcohol on her breath, red and glassy eyes, and unsteadiness.

Bradshaw was taken into custody and charged with felonious serious injury by vehicle, driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger, failure to move over resulting in injury to a person, expired vehicle registration, and expired inspection. She was held under a $30,000 secured bond, according to officials.

Police said Bradshaw appeared in court on Monday, July 6, where she requested a court-appointed attorney. Local reports indicated that she remained in custody under the same secured bond and was expected to appear for a disposition hearing on July 23.

The Oak Island Police Department also reminded drivers that parking on a bridge is illegal except in emergencies or when a vehicle is disabled. Officials further noted that North Carolina’s Move Over law requires drivers to move over or significantly reduce speed when approaching first responders working along the roadway.

What Often Happens After a Car Accident Investigation

Early accident reports often explain the basic sequence of events, but they may not answer every question that develops afterward. In incidents involving roadside stops, impaired driving allegations, and injuries to a first responder, the review process can include police reports, witness accounts, medical documentation, vehicle information, and insurance communication.

A car accident can also create several administrative steps for the people involved. Injury claims often require coordination between medical providers, insurers, and investigators, especially when treatment records and policy terms affect how damages are reviewed. In these situations, speaking with an auto accident injury attorney may help injured people better understand how documentation and insurance issues are commonly handled.

As additional information becomes available, the understanding of a crash may change. Medical findings, crash reconstruction details, citation records, and insurance coverage questions can all influence how a claim is evaluated. For families and injured individuals, keeping clear records and understanding each step can make the process easier to manage.

Legal Support After an Oak Island Car Accident

When a serious crash is reported, many people affected by the event are left with questions about medical care, insurance communication, and the steps that may follow a police investigation. Mediation can sometimes provide another path toward resolving disputes by allowing the parties to review evidence, discuss damages, and work toward an agreement without immediately moving through a full trial process.

Talking With Rosensteel Fleishman About an Oak Island, NC Crash

Rosensteel Fleishman assists clients and families after car accidents across North Carolina. Our firm’s attorneys focus on protecting the rights of injury victims statewide while helping people understand the records, deadlines, and insurance issues that may affect their situation.

For those impacted by the Oak Island crash or by a similar collision, informed decisions can make a meaningful difference. Reaching out to our firm can help injured individuals and families learn what questions to ask, what documents may matter, and what options may be available as the case moves forward.