ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — A 10-year-old boy riding his bicycle on Monday night was killed by a hit-and-run driver, the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office said. Now, a 27-year-old woman is in custody, according to authorities.
The fatal accident happened at around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Ebenezer Road and Cherry Hill Lane, the sheriff's office said.
According to officials, the boy was traveling along the westbound lane of Ebenezer Road when he was hit from behind by a light-colored car. The sheriff's office said the driver left the scene in the direction of Johnson Road.
A 12-year-old who was with the boy at the time of the accident, provided information to the deputies about the vehicle involved.
On Tuesday, authorities put out an alert for the car, which they said may be silver in color, with possible front-end damage, according to the sheriff's office.
Then, around 3:30 p.m., the sheriff's office said they performed a traffic stop on on a vehicle similar to the one described. They arrested one person, Lakeya Shumate, 27, following the stop and Rockdale County. Sheriff Eric Levett confirmed Wednesday that the driver was the person they were looking for.
He said traffic cameras helped aid deputies to the vehicle.
Levett said Shumate will likely face charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. He said the woman works in Rockdale County. She remains in the Rockdale County jail.
"I think she owes the family an explanation," Levett said.
The boy's grandfather said he was thankful for Levett and the investigators for a swift arrest in the case. He also said he hopes for more lights and sidewalks in that area where children often shop.
Meanwhile, the incident remains under investigation. The child's name has not been released.