By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-15 16:49:49 | Updated at 2024-11-22 08:19:58
6 days ago
An Amazon driver fatally struck a grandmother who was walking home after visiting a loved one's gravesite - and then continued delivering packages, authorities said.
Sandra Fitts, 79, of Canton, Georgia, was crossing Cumming Highway around 6:30pm Tuesday when the driver hit her before allegedly fleeing the scene.
The driver, London Best, 24, appeared to be traveling west on the highway before he crashed into Fitts.
'It appears that he knows what happened and he actually continued to deliver packages in the area,' Canton Police Captain Jay Baker said.
Canton Police were called to the deadly scene near Jordan Lane just moments after the crash.
Evidence found at the scene led responding officers to believe that the vehicle involved in the hit and run could have been an Amazon delivery truck.
A deputy then spotted an Amazon delivery truck at a nearby cross street.
The truck appeared to have damage matching evidence found at the crash scene, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.
An Amazon driver fatally struck an elderly woman who was walking home after visiting a loved one's gravesite - and then continued delivering packages, authorities said
Canton Police were called to the scene of the deadly crash (pictured) just moments after the crash
Evidence found at the scene led responding officers to believe that the vehicle involved in the hit and run could have been an Amazon delivery truck
Police then arrested Best and charged him with vehicular homicide in the first degree and hit-and-run resulting in death.
Upon further investigation, police found drugs including marijuana, THC wax and other drug-related paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
It is unclear whether Best was under the influence at the time of the crash.
The driver was also charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of a schedule one narcotic and possession of drug-related objects.
The Alpharetta native appeared in court on Thursday where he was granted a $75,000 bond including conditions of no alcohol, no driving, no firearm possession, no contact with the victim's family and an ankle monitor.
A spokesman for Amazon, Austin Stowe, said Best can no longer deliver on the company's behalf.
'We're deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts are with the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time. We'll support local police as they investigate,' Stowe said.
'It is a very unfortunate situation,' Baker told Atlanta News First, adding that if Best had not fled the scene, he may not have faced the same charges.
'Something to keep in mind for all drivers this is a terrible situation, but had he not left the scene, it’s very likely he would not have been charged, certainly not with these felonies,' Baker added.
Upon further investigation, police found drugs including marijuana, THC wax and other drug-related paraphernalia inside the vehicle
Fitts' loved ones have since taken to social media to share their grief over the loss of the 'sweetest lady'
'I mean it was dark and she was crossing the highway. So, if you're ever in an accident, stop, call 911, render aid, it makes all the difference in the world,' Baker told Metro News.
Fitts' loved ones have since taken to social media to share their grief over the loss of the 'sweetest lady.'
'Our Buffington Community mourns the tragic loss of one of our precious own, Sandra Edwards Fitts was taken away to soon on Tuesday evening,' Brian Martin posted to Facebook.
'Sandra was the sweetest lady, always a pleasure to talk to, she was so sweet and kind. Everyone please keep her sweet family in your prayers.' Martin added.
'She was such the sweetest mom and we miss her so much,' Fitts' daughter, Andrea Fitts Whidby, commented.
'She was looking forward to seeing their oldest grandson coming home from college and celebrating Thanksgiving with the family and my dad's birthday is Sunday. I can't believe she's gone.'
