A Charlotte teenager riding a minibike along Central Avenue was struck by a car on October 14 and left seriously injured as the driver kept going, and police now say they've identified a suspect they're hoping to arrest soon. Investigators have named 37-year-old Tamarius Potts as the man they believe was behind the wheel.
Detective Ashley Phillips said investigators identified Potts as the suspected driver and that she's hopeful for a quick arrest now that a suspect has been named, according to WBTV. The teenager sustained serious injuries and survived the crash but has undergone several surgeries since, per the same report. Potts has had previous run-ins with the law in Mecklenburg County, the station notes.
Driver Fled the Scene, Police Say
After the car hit the teen, the driver continued on without stopping, the station reports. Phillips said anyone involved in a crash is required to stay at the scene, and she's urging the public to pay attention to their surroundings. She also advised that anyone who spots a vehicle traveling at high speed should get out of its way if possible and report the behavior.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help finding Potts. People with information can call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 and may remain anonymous, and a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest. Phillips said people may know where Potts is staying, works, or frequents, and that tipsters can come forward without identifying themselves.
A Second Hit-and-Run Nearby
The Central Avenue crash came a week before a separate hit-and-run killed a 6-year-old girl in East Charlotte on October 21, about three miles away, the outlet reports. The East Charlotte case was separate from the Central Avenue crash.
East Charlotte resident Jack Love told the station he stays on the sidewalk and out of the way near Central Avenue, a habit that reflects the caution many nearby residents are now taking. Under North Carolina law, whether a driver involved in a crash must remain until a law-enforcement officer completes the investigation or authorizes departure depends on the circumstances; in property-damage-only crashes, drivers must remain if the crash is reportable, according to North Carolina General Statutes, G.S. 20-166.
For now, investigators are focused on tracking down Potts, while the teen has undergone several surgeries. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers rather than approach the suspect directly.
