Hickory Man Run Over And Killed In Front Of Family

HICKORY, N.C.,None — A Hickory man was killed after being run over outside his home with family members nearby.

The man's daughter performed CPR as the driver sped from the scene

State troopers said that 49-year-old Danny Schronce died this weekend after Gary Leatherman backed over him in his pickup truck and then took off.

A photo of Danny holding his newborn grandson in the hospital is all that his daughter Holly has. "(It's) still unbelievable. And I saw it and I still can't believe it happened. He's got a grandson he's not going to see (him) grow up."

State troopers say Leatherman had come to Miller Drive where he got into an fight with an ex girlfriend.

Investigators say Schronce came to the roadway in front of his home to help solve the situation but instead was hit and killed when Leatherman backed his truck down the road.

Neighbor Zella Schronce showed Channel 9 where it all happened. "They say he was trying to stop an argument and the guy took off backwards and ran over him."

An off duty Catawba County Sheriff's deputy who lives nearby followed the truck and radioed for help getting it stopped near Hickory.

Leatherman was charged with DWI.

State troopers are awaiting blood test while their investigation continues.

Some neighbors like Nicole Smith believe the 24-year-old should face more serious charges. "I think he should be charged with murder. I really do because that is just wrong really wrong. That could have been one of my children out there."

Channel 9 talked with the District Attorney Monday afternoon and they are waiting for the Highway Patrol to wrap up their investigation before deciding on other charges.

The lead investigator hopes to have that done by Tuesday morning.

WSOC