MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The suspect in the fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 20-year-old Morgantown man is in custody.
Ladon Garrett, 39, of Randallstown, Maryland, turned himself into police Monday following a 10-day investigation into the accident that resulted in the death of Divante Coles, who was riding his bike along Route 7 in Sabraton on the night of Friday, July 6.
Coles died early Saturday, July 7, in Ruby Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained in the crash. He was hit from behind while leaving work. The vehicle, reportedly driven by Garrett, fled the scene and was not found until the evening of Thursday, July 12.
Police officers from the Clarksburg Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, and WV State Police discovered the vehicle, a black Chrysler 200, 4-door sedan, abandoned in Harrison County on what police are calling a secondary roadway.
An attempt had been made to remove any evidence or identification from the vehicle, according to a police statement. The vehicle was registered to Courtney Newkirk of Randallstown, Maryland.
Garrett is charged under “Erin’s Law” for a crash involving death. A conviction could carry up to five years in prison. He was arraigned and posted bond at $25,000.