Hit-and-run crash leaves woman in critical condition; driver arrested

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The man accused of driving off after hitting a woman with his car while she walked along a south Charlotte road over the weekend has turned himself in, police said.

[IMAGES: Pedestrian injured after struck by car]

Investigators said 31-year-old Jessica Morrell was crossing South Tryon Street, near Bland Street, in the crosswalk around 9:12 p.m. Saturday when she was hit by a silver Dodge Avenger.

The driver of the Dodge, later identified as 25-year-old Jeffrey Jay Junior Laforce, did not stop after hitting Morrell, according to witnesses.

Witnesses also told police that the Dodge ran a red light when he hit Morrell.

When police arrived on the scene, they found Morrell lying in the road. She was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center where she remains in critical condition.

Department of Transportation cameras and a license plate reader were able to confirm the suspect's vehicle and on Sunday morning, around 8:30 a.m., Laforce showed up at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office to turn himself in.

(Laforce)

Police have charged him with felony hit-and-run.

The crash is under investigation to determine if alcohol or speed were contributing factors.

Concerns over dangerous intersection

The intersection of South Tryon and Bland streets has seen a lot of growth over the years. Businesses around the intersection said it has become more dangerous.

Tavern on the Tracks executive chef Brian Bruce said he's concerned the intersection isn't keep up with the growth.

"I definitely know its inconsistent with the level of traffic that goes through here," Bruce said.

In addition to Morrell being hit during the weekend, The North Carolina Department of Transportation reports there have been 24 crashes at the intersection since 2012. The last time a pedestrian was hit was in 2013.

"They've tried to do something as far as not letting people make left turns," Bruce said.

Bruce said he hopes to see developers step in to help with traffic congestion. But even with a new apartment complex planned at the intersection, NCDOT officials said they have no plans to make any improvements to the intersection.

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