Three-Vehicle Crash Near Tybee Island Leads To Hit-And-Run Arrest

In Georgia, a hit-and-run accident can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. If the occupants of the victim vehicle are injured and the offending vehicle leaves the scene of an accident, the driver could be charged with felony hit-and-run. This charge could see someone facing a prison sentence of one to five years. If involved in a collision and the driver leaves the scene, make sure to try and get a good description of the make and model as well as the color of the vehicle. WBRC reports on the arrest of a suspect in a hit-and-run accident in Tybee Island.

On Monday, April 2nd, a suspected wanted in connection with a hit-and-run accident on Highway 80 in Tybee Island was arrested by U.S. Marshals.

34-year-old John Richard was turning left on Highway 80 leaving the island when he collided with another vehicle coming to the island. Richard then got out of the truck he had been driving and got into a vehicle following him. A friend had been test driving that vehicle.

The car that Richard struck jumped the curb and began to overturn. Another vehicle was struck in the crash.

Two people were seriously injured and taken by ambulance to nearby hospitals. A third person was seriously injured and had to be cut from the vehicle. This person suffered from severe head injuries and was said to have been in critical condition.

Richard has an extensive criminal history with 10 charges dating back to 2009. The charges are mostly related to battery and disorderly conduct, but officers noted that Richard was not legally able to drive. This may have been a reason for Richard fleeing the accident.

Richard is facing charges of felony hit-and-run which can result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

Have you been injured in an accident? We can help. Call today.