Selma Police Complete Investigation Into Incident Where Woman Was Dragged 1,300 Feet

SELMA — Selma Police announced today (Thursday) they have completed their investigation into an incident in which a woman lying in a snow-covered street was struck and dragged by a pickup truck, determining the driver will face only a charge of driving without a license.

The incident happened Jan. 31 during heavy snowfall near the intersection of Lizzie Street and Sellers Street. A Selma police officer on routine patrol initially noticed what appeared to be an object in the roadway, which was later identified as a woman lying motionless and partially covered in snow.

As the officer attempted to exit his patrol vehicle, a pickup truck approached the intersection. Police said the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, which briefly stopped before moving forward and striking the woman.

According to Detective Sgt. Justin Vause, the woman was dragged approximately 1,300 feet from Sellers Street to Pollock Street before rolling out from underneath the truck when it turned at an intersection. Investigators determined the driver was unaware the woman was under the vehicle.

Police said the victim, a Four Oaks woman visiting friends in Selma, was impaired and either slipped and fell or passed out while walking in the roadway. Investigators said impairment and snowy weather conditions were contributing factors.

Patrol car dash camera video, security camera footage from nearby homes and findings from the traffic investigation were submitted to the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office. After reviewing the case, prosecutors determined the driver, a 40-year-old Selma man, would only be charged with driving without a license.

Police said the driver cooperated fully with investigators and voluntarily came to the police department for an interview. Investigators said the driver was momentarily distracted by flashing emergency lights from first responders responding to an unrelated call nearby as he approached the Selma police officer on the snow-covered street.

The woman was transported by Johnston County EMS to a hospital, where she remains in stable condition in the intensive care unit recovering from serious injuries.