Surveillance video shows fatal hit and run involving bicyclist
LAWRENCE, Ind (WISH) — Surveillance cameras were rolling during a fatal hit and run crash.
According to Lawrence Police, a car hit a bicyclist around 6:00 Monday night in the 8600 block of Pendleton Pike.
WISH-TV spoke with several witnesses. Most of the details are too graphic to share. But, many rushed to the victim’s aid, not sure what they were encountering, when police say the person responsible just kept driving.
At Kike Details, Monday started off as a regular day. Cameras recorded the typical flow of traffic outside the tire and car detailing business. Then, something unimaginable happened.
54-year old Mervin Smith is peddling on his bicycle, when he is struck by a passing car. Smith died at the scene.
Police say the suspect didn’t stop to help, or call 911.
Flor Navarro was working and saw it all unfold.
“We tried to go back and see if there was anything we could do. There was nothing we could do for him,” Navarro said.
Although police say 23-year old Christopher Spells just kept driving on, video shows that several cars stopped and workers rushed to try and help.
“I ran outside to, hope, to provide aid to the gentleman. But, by the time I got out there and saw him, I was the first one to look at him, he was already passed,” said Daniel Coyne.
Police say Spells was driving in a vehicle that was reported stolen on New Years Eve. They say he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend at Kroger on Pendleton Pike, then left her there.
As they were responding to that scene, they got another call of the fatal hit and run just a few miles west. But it didn’t stop there.
Police say Spells continued to 46th Street and Franklin Road, where he slammed into another car. Two people inside were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. This time, Spells didn’t have an opportunity to run, police say.
“That crash occurred and our officers were right there and were able to take him in to custody. I don’t know that he even had an opportunity to go anywhere,” said Lawrence Police Captain Gary Woodruff.
Navarro added, “I feel better that he is not on the streets anymore.”
Spells faces one preliminary charge of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death. But, police say he could face more charges for the other alleged crimes.