One Cyclist Killed, 20 Others Injured After Felony Hit and Run

A 76 year old driver has been arrested and held on a $1 million bond after he struck a group of cyclists, killing one and injuring many others.

The hit and run incident happened in Wake County, North Carolina on Saturday morning, and saw the driver Donald Robert Morris-Jones cross the center line and strike the pack of riders.

Patrick Allen Turner, 63, of Cary, North Carolina, was confirmed by Highway Patrol as dying, with at least 20 other riders being injured.

Morris-Jones was driving on Optimist Farm Road and, according to initial reports, was said to be driving while impaired. Later reports suggested he was intoxicated.

Officials stated that Morris-Jones allegedly drove away from the scene and about half a mile later, veered off the left side of the road and crashed into a ditch.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to the incident shortly after 9:30 a.m.

The group struck was part of the Capital Cycling Club. In addition to the death of Allen Turner, media reports stated that seven other riders had serious injuries while 13 suffered minor injuries.

Highway Patrol stated that Morris-Jones was arrested and charged with felony death by vehicle, seven counts of serious injury by vehicle, eight counts of hit and run, driving while impaired, reckless driving and one count of driving left of center.

Morris-Jones is being held in Wake County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. He is set to appear in court on Monday, Nov. 9.

The team at Velo express our condolences to the family of Allen Turner and wish the other riders a complete recovery.