A month-long manhunt for a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run incident concluded with the arrest in Springfield, Illinois. Jacolby Pendleton, 30, was apprehended on Saturday and charged with the murder of 68-year-old Sharon Griffin following a devastating crash that occurred in Houston on the evening of June 6. The arrest was confirmed by the City of Houston's official news release.
Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division reports detailed how Pendleton, a known felony suspect, had been under surveillance by their Southeast Patrol Division Crime Suppression Team on that fateful night. When uniformed officers attempted to pull over the black Nissan Kicks SUV Pendleton was driving, he refused to quickly comply and initiated a short pursuit. This chase ended tragically when Pendleton turned onto Rebecca Street, lost control of the vehicle, and fatally struck Griffin, who was on a walking path.
Investigators, after being notified of the situation by fellow officers who found the victim and observed Pendleton fleeing the scene, coordinated with the Harris County District Attorney's Office. The murder charge was filed against Pendleton, who had evaded capture until his recent arrest was made public.
Pendleton, now sitting behind bars in Sangamon County Jail, is to soon be extradited back to Harris County to face the gravity of his actions. This is according to the City of Houston's update. Sergeant E. Fendia and Officer A. Mares of HPD's Vehicular Crimes Division were the officers responsible for the initial pursuit and investigation at the scene of the accident.
