Police have named a suspect in Wednesday night’s alleged hit-and-run.
Willie Broshawn Moody III, 45, of 299 Black Creed Road in Columbus, is accused of intentionally hitting a 33-year-old man with his car after he and the man got into an argument.
Officers with the Columbus Police Department arrested Moody late Wednesday and charged him with aggravated assault manifesting in extreme indifference to life. Municipal Court Judge Rhonda Ellis set Moody’s bond at $200,000. Moody remains in custody at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
Police have yet to identify the victim.
The vehicle Moody was allegedly driving struck the victim at about 6:30 p.m. on the 700 block of 19th Street North. The victim was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and later airlifted to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo where he is in critical condition, Assistant Police Chief Fred Shelton said.
As many as 75 people crowded the chaotic scene shortly after the incident, at least three of whom crossed the caution tape as police investigated. One woman cried out loudly while another woman held her to comfort her.
A man at the scene, claiming to be the victim’s nephew, was yelling, “He better not be dead! And the (person) who hit him better be in jail.”
The case is under investigation by the CPD.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.