SMITHFIELD – A Smithfield man is facing a laundry list of charges after police said he was involved in a crash, tried to flee, then struck a pedestrian who had just been involved in the crash. Thanks to a Good Samaritan who maneuvered his truck in front of the fleeing driver, no further injuries were reported.
The bizarre chain of events started at 8:26pm Saturday, December 11th on N. Brightleaf Boulevard at Market Street.
Police said Khalil Davon Spellman, 21, of Lemay Street, was operating a 2016 Chevy passenger car at 25 miles per hour when it rear ended a 2010 Lexus stopped for a red light at the intersection. The driver of the Lexus, William Brian Zieverink, 54, of Princeton, exited his car just as Spellman attempted to leave the scene.
Spellman allegedly struck Ziervink who fell onto the hood of the vehicle. As Spellman proceeded through the red traffic light with Ziervink holding onto the hood, an eyewitnesses, Christopher Hughes Watkins, 52, of Dunn, maneuvered his 2000 Chevrolet truck into the path of Spellman’s car to prevent him from fleeing with the victim on the hood.
Police estimated Spellman reached speeds of 35mph with the pedestrian on the hood before Watkins, the Good Samartian, could intervened, even though his truck was still hit by Spellman’s Chevrolet.
Only minor injuries were reported in the initial accident. Damage to the Lexus was estimated at $1,500. Damage to Watkins’ truck was placed at $2,000.
Spellman was charged with driving while impaired, assault with a deadly weapon, felony hit and run causing personal injury, failure to stop for a red light, and failure to avoid a collision. Police obtained a search warrant for a blood sample from Spellman.
He was confined in the Johnston County Jail in lieu of a $50,000 secured bond.