JAMES CITY COUNTY — A 68-year-old James City County man has been arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run after allegedly striking a pedestrian with his vehicle on the evening of Aug. 8.
According to officials, at 7:55 p.m., the James City County Police and Fire Departments responded to the 2900 block of Lake Powell Road following reports of a pedestrian being hit by a black Genesis SUV while attempting to access a mailbox.
Emergency personnel found a female victim with serious injuries. The vehicle had fled the scene, police said. Eyewitnesses reported that it had briefly drove into a ditch before continuing on, sustaining minor damage. While the victim was being treated, the suspect returned to the scene in a different vehicle, officials said, and cooperated with the police.
The suspect, identified as 68-year-old Michael Atalay of James City County, was later linked to the damaged vehicle, which was located at his residence and subsequently impounded, police said.
Police said following consultation with the Williamsburg/James City County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Atalay was charged with felony hit-and-run and transported to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. Atalay was released on an unsecured bond.
The victim was transported to Riverside Regional Hospital in Newport News and remains in critical condition.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming, police said.
