Driver Charged After Allegedly Leaving Crash Scene With Injured Child

SMITHFIELD, N.C. –– A Benson man is facing multiple charges after police said he wrecked a pickup on Wal-Pat Road, left the scene with two children and was later located at his home.

The crash was reported around 9:39 p.m. Monday.

Smithfield Police said 34-year-old Manuel DeJesus Rodas Villagran of W. Hill Street, Benson, was driving a 2016 GMC Sierra when the pickup ran off the road and crashed.

A witness stopped at the scene and reportedly told officers Villagran contacted someone to come pick up him and the two children who had been riding in the truck. Police said Villagran allegedly asked the witness not to call law enforcement.

The witness called 911 anyway.

By the time officers arrived, Villagran and the children were gone.

Police later located Villagran at his residence inside the Benson town limits. He declined medical treatment, but EMS personnel were called to check the two children.

One of the children was taken to a hospital with a broken arm, according to police.

Villagran was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, hit and run, misdemeanor child abuse, felony negligent child abuse resulting in serious physical injury, and driving without an operator’s license.

He was held under a $150,000 bond pending his first court appearance.