Officer Injured After Being Struck During July 4 Bridge Enforcement; Southport Driver Faces Multiple Charges

July 5, 2026 Coastal Carolina News Staff Brunswick County, Crime & Public Safety, News 0

Oak Island Police say the officer was investigating illegally parked vehicles on the G.V. Barbee Bridge when he was hit

By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer

OAK ISLAND, NC — A Town of Oak Island Police Officer sustained minor injuries Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle while responding to a cluster of illegally parked cars on the G.V. Barbee Bridge during Southport’s Fourth of July fireworks. The incident occurred at approximately 9:24 p.m. on July 4, 2026, as Officer Raymond Holleman stopped to investigate several vehicles that had pulled onto NC 133 to watch the display, with some obstructing portions of the travel lane and creating a significant hazard for passing traffic.

According to the Oak Island Police Department, Officer Holleman activated his emergency blue lights and positioned his patrol vehicle to allow safe space for the stop. As he stepped out of his vehicle, he was struck by a Ford Bronco driven by Jennifer Bradshaw of Southport. The impact knocked him about 15 feet forward and to the right, preventing him from being run over but leaving him with minor injuries. Despite being hit, Officer Holleman was able to regain his footing, call for assistance, and make contact with Bradshaw, who had stopped immediately.

Officer Todd Osborne arrived moments later and initiated an impaired driving investigation. Following the on‑scene assessment, 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.

The town notes that the incident highlights ongoing safety concerns tied to holiday traffic and roadside enforcement. Parking on a bridge is illegal except in emergencies or when a vehicle is disabled, and officials warn that nighttime conditions make such behavior especially dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, and first responders.

The town also reiterated the requirements of North Carolina’s Move Over Law, which obligates drivers to change lanes when safe or significantly reduce speed when approaching law enforcement or emergency personnel working roadside. Officials further emphasized the risks associated with impaired driving, urging residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly and avoid operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any impairing substance.