Police Arrest Man After Crash Involving Go-Kart, Van

KANNAPOLIS, N.C.,None — Kannapolis police arrested 60-year-old James Johnson Wednesday night in connection with a hit-and-run crash that injured two 12-year-old boys.

The crash happened around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Kannapolis police said 12-year-old Kyle Graham and 12-year-old Weston Edwards were riding the go-kart on Debbie Street, where Graham lives, when a silver Ford minivan struck the go-kart near the middle of the road and then kept going.

•SLIDESHOW: 2 Injured In Kannapolis Crash Involving Van, Go-Kart

"I thought, ‘We've got two dead boys laying in the street,' and you don't want to think about that," said Graham's grandfather, Gary Dunwell. "I blame myself for this."

Both boys were taken to Carolinas Medical Center. Graham is in fair condition and Edwards is in critical condition.

Dunwell saw the impact of the crash from his front window and ran outside to find both boys unconscious.

Chris Mullis was at the scene helping almost immediately. He was driving through the neighborhood and happened to turn his head and see the boys in the road, along with the upturned go-kart.

"I thought they were dead," he said. "They weren't moving at all. I went over and tried to find a pulse and make sure they were breathing."

@import url(/css/21106410/style.css);

"I thought, ‘We've got two dead boys laying in the street,' and you don't want to think about that."

- Gary Dunwell, Graham's Grandfather

Mullis said he ran to help one boy and his mother jumped from the car to help the other.

Graham was faced down on the curb, about 30 feet from the crash scene, Mullis said. Edwards was still tangled up in the go-kart, not moving.

Neighbors said they often saw the boys riding the go-kart up and down the street, and also on a dirt path that runs behind several houses.

"They ride on it, not every day, but during the week, maybe twice," said neighbor Clifford White.

White said he planned to buy a go-kart for his grandson, who turns 9 this weekend. Now, he's not so sure.

"We have a place for him to ride, off the road where it's safe," he said. "We'll keep an eye on him."

Kannapolis police Sgt. Terry Spry said officers found the 60-year-old suspect during a neighborhood canvas Wednesday afternoon. His minivan was found on Kingston Drive, less than a mile from the crash scene.

Johnson was charged with felony hit-and-run and no operator's license. He first appearance is scheduled for April 13 in Cabarrus County District Court.

Kannapolis police said it is illegal to ride go-karts on city streets. It's not known if the boy's parents will face any charges until the case goes before the district attorney.

WSOC