Valdese, NC (September 13, 2026) - A woman was seriously injured in an e-bike collision while walking her dog on a sidewalk at 605 Pineburr Avenue Southwest in Valdese on Sunday.

Valdese Police responded to the pedestrian collision. Officers said an e-bike rider struck the woman from behind and reportedly left the scene. First responders treated her, and Burke EMS transported her to UNC Morganton for further evaluation.

Police said follow-up investigative work identified Dylan Scott Hardin as the suspect. Investigators obtained warrants at approximately 4 p.m. Sunday. Hardin was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run and a misdemeanor violation of a Valdese town ordinance.

As of Monday afternoon, Sept. 14, police reported that Hardin was being held in the Burke County Jail under a $25,000 bond.

Recovery After a Serious Pedestrian Injury

The woman was taken to UNC Morganton after being struck on the sidewalk. The initial report described her injuries as serious but did not provide a diagnosis or recovery update. Medical records and follow-up care can help explain the effects of those injuries as recovery progresses.

An injury may interrupt familiar activities, including walking a dog. The person’s actual limitations, care needs and time away from work can matter in evaluating losses. Recommendations about returning to an activity should come from a treating clinician familiar with the injury.

A pedestrian collision attorney can discuss injury-related losses and insurance questions, including how the reported hit-and-run and identification of a suspect may affect the review.

Questions About an Injury Claim

Criminal charges and a personal injury claim follow separate processes. A legal consultation can address the injured person’s concerns while the criminal case proceeds, without assuming the charges establish civil responsibility.