One Airlifted, One Charged in Sunday Hit and Run Crash

A hit and run crash Sunday on Highway 146 resulted in one person being airlifted and the one responsible charged with leaving the scene and reckless driving.
Trooper Tommy Cooper of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that Melissa Petty was south on Highway 146 in a red 1992 Chevy Stepside pickup truck when she crossed the center line into the path of 56 year old Kenny Wright of Smithville who was traveling north in a 2000 GMC Jimmy and pulling a utility trailer loaded with two riding lawn mowers. Wright’s wife, 51 year old Kathy Wright and Daniel Niles were passengers with Wright.
According to Trooper Cooper, Wright swerved trying to avoid a collision but Petty’s truck struck Wright’s utility trailer. Wright’s vehicle went off the highway into a ditch and overturned as it came back onto the road.
Although Petty’s truck was heavily damaged and the left front wheel disabled she drove away and traveled 9.7 miles from Short Mountain Highway onto Patterson Road, Jacobs Pillar Road, to Banks Pisgah Road and then to Halfacre/Joines Road where she came to a stop.
A deputy came upon Petty’s truck and stayed with her until the Trooper arrived.
Wright’s wife was treated by DeKalb EMS and then airlifted from the scene by Life Flight to Vanderbilt Hospital. No one else was seriously injured.
Petty was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injury and reckless driving. She was also cited for failure to exercise due care, no insurance, and expired registration.
Members of the Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department were also at the crash scene to render assistance.