Driver charged in hit-and-run
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Pamela Reitz, 39, is accused of numerous driving offenses following a wreck on Highway 28 and John Burch Road on May 11. A report by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) termed the incident a hit-and-run.
The THP report stated a patrolman was dispatched to the busy intersection at 3:28 p.m. The Trooper observed a grey sedan out of the roadway. His report states Sequatchie County deputies advised multiple witnesses had observed a white vehicle exit from John Burch Road East, strike the grey vehicle, then continue on to John Burch west, leaving the scene of the accident.
Surveillance video at a business located at the intersection indicated a white female subject exiting the store, entering a white SUV with no registration displayed, driving onto John Burch Road East, rolling through a stop sign then striking the grey sedan on Highway 28, the report continued.
Further investigation, including by deputies, led to the recovery of the SUV’s bumper and to a damaged SUV at a residence 2.5 miles away. A subject there, Reitz, claimed possession of the damaged vehicle, the trooper stated.
The suspect had an ID-only license, suspended for failure to appear in Clay County and for insurance violation, THP stated. Reitz reportedly confirmed vehicle ownership, admitted to not having insurance on the vehicle, and denied being involved in a crash.
Reitz was taken into custody on charges of leaving the scene of an injury accident, driving on a suspended license, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to yield, failure to exercise due care, financial responsibility law violation, and improper display. Reitz informed officers of discomfort in her shoulders and was cuffed in the front, the report continued, before she was transported to the Sequatchie County Justice Center.
Further details of the wreck continue to be investigated by the THP.
Dunlap Fire Department Chief Norman Hatfield reported firefighters stabilized the sedan, with the driver unable to exit as it had been hit on the driver’s side. Using the Hurst spreader device, the door was removed and the driver was able to walk away with minor injuries, Chief Hatfield added.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in Sequatchie County General Sessions Court on August 7.
