Opelika police arrest driver in hit-and-run that left elderly man injured
Opelika Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a hit-and-run incident that left a 76-year-old man hospitalized with injuries.
Officers responded to a call in the 2100 block of Rocky Brook Road, where the elderly victim had been struck by a vehicle at the end of his driveway on Tuesday, August 5, at approximately 4:29 p.m. He was transported by ambulance to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, where he remains in stable condition in the ICU.
Security footage from the area showed a dark gray Honda Pilot traveling north on Rocky Brook Road toward Morris Avenue shortly before the incident occurred. Police quickly shared images and information related to the vehicle on the Opelika Police Mobile app and across social media platforms, urging the public to come forward with tips.
Shortly after, a tip led investigators to a residence in the 700 block of North Uniroyal Road. There, officers located a gray 2012 Honda Pilot matching the description from the footage. The vehicle’s owner, identified as 35-year-old Amber Lynn Phillips, was taken to the Opelika Police Department for questioning.
“Thanks to the community’s quick thinking and willingness to come forward with information, officers were able to identify a possible suspect Tuesday evening,” said Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey. “This is the perfect example of how a strong partnership between law enforcement and our community helps to solve crime and help keep our streets safe.”
On Wednesday, August 6, officers formally arrested Phillips on a charge of Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries, a Class C Felony.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Opelika Police or submit tips through the department’s mobile app.
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