Felony hit-and-run charges dropped against Acworth man accused of hitting bicyclist

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - UPDATE: The Cherokee Sheriff's Office has dropped the charge of felony hit-and-run against William James Abbott after traffic investigators located new evidence at the crash scene and on they bicycle to indicate another vehicle was involved. 

Multiple witnesses told that the suspect was driving a silver car. Deputies followed that lead and found a vehicle matching that description in the area that had struck a fixed object. Abbott told deputies that he pulled off the bumper and hit it in the woods at a nearby park less than .10 of a mile from where the cyclist was struck.

Abbott has been charged with reckless driving and supporting a wireless device while driving. However, he was not involved in the collision that injured the cyclist.

The sheriff's office is looking for the other vehicle they believe struck the bicyclist and took off. 

ORIGINAL STORY

A 20-year-old Acworth man has been arrested for a hit-and-run over the weekend that left a 78-year-old man from Woodstock with life-threatening injuries.

According to Cobb County Police Department, the older man was riding his bicycle around 3:30 p.m. March 3 on Towne Lake Parkway near Wyngate Parkway when a silver or gray Nissan car drove up onto the sidewalk and hit the bicyclist.

"A Nissan passenger car was traveling Westbound on Town Lake Parkway went up onto the sidewalk and struck a cyclist who was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk," said Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Captain Jay Baker.

The driver kept going, heading west towards Bells Ferry Road.

Witnesses at the scene sprang into action, calling 911 and trying to render aid.

The bicyclist was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He remained in the hospital as of Monday evening in critical condition.

"Deputies responded, traffic investigators also responded…after speaking with witnesses on scene, they eventually got a tag number," said Capt. Baker. "We went to the suspect’s home, located the suspect and the vehicle…there was damage to the car."

Investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office were able to locate the vehicle on Yachting Way. Twenty-year-old William James Abbott was arrested. 

Capt. Baker says he admitted to hiding evidence.

"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," the captain said.

He also tells deputies he was texting his girlfriend when he hopped the curb. 

"We’ve said it before…we can’t tell people enough…please don’t drive with your phone on your hand and, if heaven forbid you get involved in an accident, don’t leave the scene that changes everything," said Capt. Baker.

He has been charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury, felony tampering with evidence and holding/supporting a wireless device.

"He was in custody within an hour and a half," said Capt. Baker.

The victim's identity is not being released at this time and the incident is still under investigation.