An Acworth man faces serious charges after a hit-and-run incident, leaving a 78-year-old bicyclist with critical injuries, authorities have reported. The 20-year-old, William James Abbott, stands accused of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury, along with felony tampering with evidence and holding or supporting a wireless device during the accident that occurred over last weekend.
Cobb County Police Department officials told FOX 5 Atlanta that the collision took place at approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 3, on Towne Lake Parkway near Wyngate Parkway. It was reported that a silver or gray Nissan car drove up onto the sidewalk, hitting the elderly man who was cycling there. Witnesses, who jumped to action, called the police and tried assisting the injured man.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for treatment of his life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition. As the community grapples with the recklessness exhibited on their streets, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office spokesperson, Captain Jay Baker's statement to FOX 5 Atlanta confirmed Abbott's swift arrest. "He was in custody within an hour and a half," said Capt. Baker.
Further digging into the incident, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, as reported by Atlanta News First, uncovered Abbott's attempt to hide the evidence, driving to Hobgood Park post-collision, where he "removed the bumper from his vehicle which was damaged, hid the bumper and then drove back to his residence," according to Capt. Baker.
Abbott, now out on a $14,300 bond after an arrest that followed an investigation leading deputies to his home and the incriminating vehicle on Yachting Way, reportedly confessed to being engaged with his phone at the time of the accident. "He actually came to Hobgood Park where we are now, removed the bumper from his vehicle which was damaged, hid the bumper and then drove back to his residence," Capt. Baker told deputies, highlighting the recklessness of distracted driving. The ongoing investigation serves as a bleak reminder—the life-altering consequences borne from a moment's distraction behind the wheel.
