Police Still Searching for 5 People Connected to Fatal Hit and Run Accident on Hwy 29
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Highway 29 was host to a fatal hit and run early Monday. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear. What is clear is that one young woman, Cherita Jones, died as a result.
There is suspicion that the BMW and Acura involved may have been racing when the BMW hit a guardrail and the Acura flipped. It is unclear whether or not the cars ever collided with one another. After the accident the driver and 3 passengers of the BMW fled on foot. A Chevrolet Tahoe stopped and picked up the driver from the Acura, and one of the SUV passengers was left behind, in an attempt to assist the passenger of the Acura, but was picked up again.
On Tuesday the driver of the Acura, Shaquetta Johnson, has turned herself in and has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, felony hit and run and driving while license revoked. Wednesday police made two more arrests. According to WFMY:
Police arrested 17-year-old Antoine Butler and 28-year-old Casheem Richardson Wednesday.
The Greensboro magistrate's office says both men are from New York, but investigators have not said how the men are linked to the case.
Police say both men fled on foot from the BMW left at the scene.
As of Thursday police are still searching for at least five other people who may have been involved, and now believe "intoxication was a factor."
Auto accidents are always frightening, and too often end in tragedy. And, for families of victims, bizarre circumstances like these only exacerbate the pain. The mother of Cherita Jones told police all she wants to know is "Just what happened. Did she say anything what happened at the end?"
While coming forward and accepting responsibility for their actions won't bring back her daughter, it can help bring closure. Those involved need to come forward and explain what happened, at least out of respect for this girl and her family.
I don't think it needs to be said, but please remember that alcohol and driving do not mix, and public roads are not race tracks. What seems harmless and exciting can end in terrible tragedy, and have serious repercussions for those left behind.