At approximately 11:25 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, members of the Athens Police Department responded to the area of U.S. Highway 72, west of Interstate 65, for a hit-and-run collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, according to a press release from APD.

The initial investigation suggested the pedestrian was walking westbound along U.S. Highway 72 and the Kia Telluride, dark gray in color, was traveling eastbound when they collided. The vehicle struck the pedestrian and continued eastbound on U.S. Highway 72 — leaving the scene.

“Even if you think you hit an animal, or you are just unsure of what  you hit — always try to find a safe location and stay on the scene,” Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell told The News Courier. “The moment  you leave the scene is when the accident becomes a felony charge. If this person had just pulled into a nearby gas station and called the police, then there would have been no issues. When you leave the scene of an accident, that’s when everything changes.”

The pedestrian who was struck sustained life-threatening injuries and was immediately transported to Huntsville Hospital on the night of the collision. On Wednesday, March 26, APD reported that the pedestrian was in stable condition and awaiting surgery.

“For this case, we had enough evidence at the scene to identify the vehicle but not the driver,” Pressnell said. “Getting those tips from the community, and having that solid relationship with the community, played a major role in us arresting the individual. It was very good information, and it was great to wrap the case up the next day.”

According to a statement from APD, a 40-year-old Athens woman has been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries. Following the investigation, the suspect was identified and transported to the Limestone County Jail. It is unknown at this time if she has posted the $5,000 bond.