Monday, July 25, 2011

UPDATE: Arrest Made After Driver Hits, Kills Man In Wheelchair

Community Hosts Vigil For Hit, Run Victim Vernon Thompson

11:26 PM, Jul 24, 2011  |   comments


Winston-Salem, NC -- In Winston-Salem, friends and family held a vigil to remember the victim of an early morning hit and run.  The driver turned himself in, four hours later.
Vernon Thompson's family says they want to remember the man killed, but they also wanted to send a message of forgiveness..
They said Thompson, 57, was a Christian, God-fearing man, and that he will be missed.  They wanted to host this vigil to help in the their healing process.
Vernon's sister, Charlene Douthit said, "I believe that he's at peace. He has new legs. He doesn't have to walk around in a wheelchair and beware. I just know that he's with my father. He's with Jesus."
Police say the hit and run happened on East 14th Street around 1 a.m. Sunday. Thompson was in his wheelchair at the time.
Investigators believe 20-year-old James Williams, Jr. hit him without stopping.  Thompson, who's wheelchair we saw in a dumpster, died from injuries in the crash.
Williams is charged with felony death by vehicle, felony hit and run and driving while impaired.

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