The Highway Patrol announced Wednesday they have filed criminal charges against a motorist that struck and killed a teenager walking alongside a rural roadway Tuesday afternoon in Harnett County.
The crash occurred around 4:20pm on Red Hill Road near Tobacco Barn Lane just east of Lillington. Cameron Pipkin, 23, of Highway 27, Coats was traveling southbound when he ran off the right shoulder of the highway and struck 14 year-old James McLeod of Ashe Avenue, Dunn.
Troopers said McLeod was on the shoulder of the roadway when he was struck from behind. As a result of the collision, McLeod died at the scene.
Pipkin has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and reckless driving. Authorities believe he fell asleep prior to the collision. Speed was also a factor.
