According to Sgt. K.D. Bell of the Johnston County office for the N.C. Highway Patrol, a man who told them his name was Pollo Hernandez Rodriguez has been charged with felony hit and run, felony assault, driving under the influence, possession of a stolen vehicle, driving without a license, speeding, and reckless driving. According to Bell, the man is currently imprisoned in Johnston County jail with bail set at $1 million. He said that investigators are attempting to verify his identity. The first name he gave police translates to "Chicken." His citizenship status is also in question.
According to Bell, shortly after 6 p.m. on the day of the crash, a vehicle lost control in a curve on a two-lane road north of Four Oaks, N.C. According to an eyewitness, the vehicle ran onto the shoulder and struck Lassiter, who was standing on the roadside. The vehicle then reentered the roadway and veered right again, crashing into a ditch.
According to investigators, the man was driving 25 mph above the speed limit. Bell said that the 1995 Chevrolet Camaro the man was driving had been stolen.
After crashing into the ditch, the driver exited his vehicle and ran into the woods nearby.
State troopers and Johnston County Sheriff's deputies set a perimeter up around the woods and arrested the man when he came out, according to Bell.
According to Bell, Rodriguez's blood-alcohol level was 0.21, over twice the legal limit of 0.08.
