Local

Arrest made in hit-and-run that killed bicyclist

STATESVILLE, N.C. — A 38-year-old man has been arrested after a hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist in Iredell County, according to troopers.

Robert Harkey, who lives about a mile from where the accident happened, was charged with one count of felony hit-and-run.

He was in jail under a $75,000 bond.

The crash happened on Barry Oak Road -- between Longview and Barnhill roads. Troopers said someone hit 53-year-old Kyle Eller, III after 5 p.m. Monday afternoon on a sharp curve.

There weren't any witnesses to the crash, but troopers were able to approximate from 911 calls that the crash happened around 5:30 p.m. Monday.

More troopers arrived Tuesday morning to reconstruct the crash that killed Eller, searching for clues as to what type of car hit Eller.

"We're in the country, but there are enough people around that there are folks who can offer some great leads as to what they saw before and after," said Sergeant Z.D. Stroupe.
 
Family members said Eller spent many of his days riding his bike in this rural area.
 
Earlier Tuesday, his family pleaded for anyone who knows anything to come forward.
 
"He would give you the shirt off his back he was so kind and loving," said Charles Eller Jr.
 
Charles Eller couldn't contain his emotions when talking about his Uncle Kyle, a man he's always wanted to be just like.
 
"I'm getting married in a couple of weeks. He was ideal husband and father that I want to be to my kids and it kills me that he won't be there for that," he said.

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