KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — A man has been charged after a hit-and-run in Kings Mountain left a grandmother dead and her son hurt on Mother’s Day, police said.
Officers responded at after 8 p.m. to North Cansler Street near West King Street and found two people in the road. First responders treated both at the scene before they were taken to Kings Mountain Hospital.
Minnie Lee Clinton, 76, died from her injuries. The second victim, Rodney Jemal Clinton, 45, has a broken leg and staples in his head, but has since been released from the hospital.
After speaking with witnesses, officers said they were able to identify a suspect who lived in Kings Mountain.
Fredrick Wilson, 67, was charged with going armed to terror the public, hit-and-run and death by motor vehicle.
A witness who is related to the victims told Channel 9′s Ken Lemon that Wilson got upset with workers at a convenience store. They said a clerk told him he was banned from the store and a customer helped to forcefully remove him.
He left and a short time later, the witness said he came back angry and was in the road waving a shotgun at people. His loved ones tried to calm him down, when the witness said Wilson jumped in his car and drove into Minnie and Rodney.
“He was like, ‘Y’all think I’m playing. I’m not playing,’” said Minnie’s grandson Jeffrey Currence.
He said Minnie went to high school with Wilson and she thought he would listen to her.
“She was like, ‘Freddie, you know you are not supposed to be out here doing this,’” Currence said.
Rodney, who was there with his mother, said he tried to get Wilson’s license plate number, but that’s what he got in his car.
“He swerved, and I say put the foot to the metal and my uncle is flying in the air,” Currence said. “He never stopped. No remorse, no nothing.”
Currence said he then watched in horror as Wilson ran over his grandmother as she tried to cross the street. Rodney blacked out before his mother was hit.
Rodney and his family said the charges against Wilson should be stronger because people pleaded with him to calm down, but he insisted on acting recklessly.
Kings Mountain police said the case is still actively being investigated. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Joel at 704-734-0444.
This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.
(WATCH BELOW: Woman killed in Concord hit-and-run identified, suspect in custody)
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