Blotter: Pedestrian hit by truck; driver charged with DWI

Published 8:52 pm Friday, September 6, 2019

SALISBURY — A pedestrian suffered minor injuries Thursday evening when he was struck by a truck driven by an impaired man who fled the scene, according to the Salisbury Police Department.

James Edward Cuzzen, 50, of 2005 Broadway Road in Lexington, was charged with hit-and-run, driving while impaired and possession of a controlled substance, according to a police report.

Officers responded to a call reporting a vehicle accident involving a pedestrian at about 7 p.m. Thursday. The man was hit by a truck in the 400 block of East Innes Street.

Cuzzen was driving a 2015 Chevy Silverado and struck the victim with the front right corner of his truck as he was making a left turn onto East Innes Street, police said. Cuzzen drove over a median before striking the pedestrian, the report said.

A police spokesman said the victim was conscious after the accident but had scrapes to his face and suffered a minor injury to his leg.

Cuzzen was pulled over by a police officer after speeding and running multiple stop signs, police said.

As Cuzzen was being arrested, an officer discovered what he described as an oil grinder with white powder residue and a pink straw with white residue inside the truck.

The residue tested positive as a drug.

The victim was transported to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

In other Salisbury Police Department reports:

• Serina Michelle Hinson, 21, of 916 Maple Ave., was charged with breaking and entering and injury to personal property Thursday.

• Suntrust Bank, at 105 S. Avalon Drive, reported a burglary Tuesday.

• New Age Phone Repair, at 501 Faith Road, reported vandalism Tuesday.

• Stitchin’ Post Gifts, at 104 S. Main St., reported a larceny Tuesday.

• TK Auto Sales, at 1628 Stokes Ferry Road, reported a larceny Wednesday.

• A man reported a burglary in the 500 block of Elm Street on Wednesday.

• A woman reported property damage in the 1500 block of West Innes Street on Thursday.

• Shannon Migon Hairston, 38, was charged with simple assault and battery in the 200 block of Dove Meadow Drive on Wednesday.

In Rowan County Sheriff’s Office reports:

• Hills Minnow Farm, at 7940 Bringle Ferry Road, reported a larceny Wednesday.

• Brookside Exclusive Properties reported a larceny Wednesday.

• Carl Keith, 32, was charged with communicating threats Wednesday.

• David Patrick Bonilla, 38, was charged with possession of methamphetamine Wednesday.

• Michael Edward Caulder, 34, was charged with possession of a controlled substance Schedule II Wednesday.