Brittney Lofthouse – Staff Writer
Just after 9 p.m. on Friday, 21-year-old Jesus Ruiz Soriano was struck on the side of the road, where he was left injured. A passerby was able to call 911 and report the accident, but the vehicle who struck Soriano did not stop and is currently being sought by law enforcement.
According to North Carolina Highway Patrol, the hit and run collision occurred on Fulton Road near the intersection of Gibson Road, just southeast of Franklin. The state highway patrol began their investigation by looking for the public’s help in identifying the suspected vehicle, a red or maroon vehicle that may have a loud exhaust or an exhaust leak.
On Monday, highway patrol updated their investigation and asked the public’s help in locating James Fred Hurst also known as Jamey and Kathy Fay Nicole Atcheson also known as Nickie who are wanted for questioning in connection to the incident.
Soriano, who just turned 21 in December remains in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on Friday night and left on the side of the road. Soriano’s family reports that he is still heavily sedated with severe brain injuries from the accident. His most difficult days will be the next few days, they said.
Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland has pleaded with the public to come forward with additional information.
“Someone left a young man to possibly die alone on the side of the road Friday night after running him over,” Sheriff Holland posted on his Facebook page. “I hope they thought they hit an animal or something other than a human being. I’m sure they’re scared. Surely they didn’t mean to do so… but I hope they do the right thing and give their side of the story by coming forward. This young man’s family loves him and they deserve to know the truth. Maybe he ran out in front of you? Maybe he was in the middle of the road and it was unavoidable? Accidents can happen, but failing to do the right thing will only end badly for you or anyone in the vehicle that witnessed it and doesn’t come forward.”
