Victim in hospital after hit-and-run
Published 5:48 pm Friday, July 25, 2008
A pedestrian is reported to be on life support after being struck by an allegedly drunk driver.
The accident took place Sunday at about 12:40 a.m. when a pedestrian, Jeffrey Brown, 19, of Picayune was struck by a man driving someone else’s car on Palestine Road. The suspect, Michael Charles Stuart, 44, of 1311 Sally Dr., was charged with DUI, leaving the scene of an accident and no proof of insurance, police reports state.
When officers arrived, Picayune firefighters were already on scene treating Brown for his injuries, Police Chief Jim Luke said.
A witness stated she saw a white Toyota Camry strike Brown and fail to stop. The vehicle continued down Palestine Road toward Picayune. In an effort to get the tag number, the witness followed the car. After getting the tag number the witness went back to the scene to check on Brown, Luke said.
Ambulance personnel took Brown first to Highland Community Hospital and then to Forrest General, Public Information Officer Capt. Theresa Milar said.
Investigation into the tag number located Stuart at the address where the car was registered and he was taken into custody. Milar said that on Monday Brown was listed as being in a coma. Recent reports indicate Brown is still on life support in the ICU, Domestic Violence Investigator Constance Myers said.