A senior citizen was riding his bicycle on March 3 when a 20-year-old in a silver or gray Nissan struck the 78-year-old on the sidewalk and drove away. The incident occurred on Towne Lake Parkway near Wyngate Parkway in Cobb County.
The 20-year-old has been identified as William James Abbott, and he has been arrested after his car was located on Yachting Way. The 78-year-old bicyclist’s identity has not been released, but it is reported that he is in critical condition after being rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.
Abbott is being charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury, felony tampering with evidence, and holding/supporting a wireless device. The latter two infractions came about after Abbott admitted to them.
“He actually came to Hobgood Park where we are now, removed the bumper from his damaged vehicle, hid the bumper, and then drove back to his residence,” said Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Captain Jay Baker. Via Fox5Atlanta.com.
“Please don’t drive with your phone in your hand,” Baker also said after Abbott told authorities he was texting his girlfriend at the time of the accident. Via Fox5Atlanta.com.
Rafi Law Firm reiterates the captain’s message about distracted driving and hopes the bicyclist can recover from his injuries. We can be reached at (404) 800-9933 if you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident.