Monday, March 5, 2012

Citizen's Tip Leads to Arrest in Vehicle Dragging Incident


Thanks to single tip, Richmond Police investigators have arrested the man who struck and dragged a man with his vehicle then fled the scene.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Feb. 20, officers responded to the 2000 block of Kimrod Road for a report of a person lying in the road. When officers arrived, they discovered a 21-year-old male had been struck and dragged by a vehicle for more than 1,000 feet.

The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and is still recovering.

With little to go as far as suspect information, detectives appealed to the public and received one tip about the incident. The tipster didn’t see the incident, but did see a car leaking antifreeze and thought it suspicious so he called detectives. The tipster apologized for “bothering” detectives with such “useless” information, but it was that tip that led them to the offender!

On Friday, detectives arrested James E. Williams Jr., 52, of the 5800 block of Orcutt Lane, and charged him with felony hit and run. He was arraigned in traffic court this morning.

Detectives would like to thank that citizen as well as other tipsters and members of the media for helping to publicize the need for information in this case.

Detectives still ask anyone who has any information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both methods are anonymous.