A man was reportedly stabbed before the accident on Ross Avenue

Cole was pronounced dead at the scene late Wednesday in the 200 block of Ross Avenue. Cole, whose name was released Friday afternoon, allegedly stole the vehicle in the 500 block of Ross Avenue after the vehicle’s owner, James Hall, told emergency dispatchers he started the car and turned around to say goodbye to a friend.

According to the audio recording of the 911 call, Cole apparently jumped into the vehicle when Hall turned his back to him. The caller did not indicate that there was an altercation with Cole.

Hamilton investigators reported that there was an altercation with Cole and said he was “stabbed during the altercation while attempting to steal the vehicle.”

Another 911 caller in the 200 block of Ross Avenue said he saw several people flee the car after the crash and drive in an unknown direction.

Hamilton police spokesman Sgt. Brian Ungerbuehler said the vehicle crashed into two utility poles and a fence described by a 911 caller as a brick barrier or wall. He said when police officers arrived at the scene, they found him and immediately administered life-saving measures.

Cole was pronounced dead 20 minutes later.

The investigation closed the road for hours and investigators returned to the scene Thursday morning.