A woman accused of fatally striking a pedestrian on Windsor Spring Road earlier this week is now facing a list of serious charges after a sheriff’s office report revealed a chaotic and disturbing chain of events that unfolded on May 12.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, 45-year-old Chiquita Dawson was driving southbound in an orange 2015 Jeep Renegade when she struck 24-year-old Taveon Wright, a pedestrian crossing the road outside of a crosswalk. Authorities say Dawson had a clear, 400-foot line of sight to Wright before the impact. Despite that visibility, Dawson did not stop.
Instead, Wright’s body was thrown into nearby woods as Dawson fled the scene, continuing to drive south on Windsor Spring Road with significant front-end damage to her Jeep.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:05 p.m., and Wright was pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m. by Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.
Witness helped track suspect: A nearby driver noticed the damaged vehicle approaching from behind and pulled over to avoid a collision. She later saw Dawson pull over to secure the damaged hood, then get back in and continue driving. Suspicious and concerned, the witness called 911 and began following the Jeep.
When Dawson pulled into Richmond County Fire Station 18 and abandoned her vehicle, she attempted to flee on foot. The witness continued following Dawson, even denying the suspect a ride when asked. Deputies soon arrived and stopped Dawson, who was evaluated at the scene and placed under arrest for DUI.
Drugs and flight: Deputies say the pursuit didn’t end quietly. Deputy Gagne later spotted Dawson running near Inverness Drive. In her hands, she reportedly carried her wallet, car keys, cellphone, and a glass jar filled with a green leafy substance. When Gagne approached, Dawson threw the items and tried to continue her escape before being apprehended.
She was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw and then booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. On May 13, Dawson was officially charged with: felony homicide by vehicle, DUI, hit and run – leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, possession of fentanyl and driving without insurance
A troubled history: Online records show Dawson has a criminal history, including a 2001 cocaine possession conviction that led to a four-year prison sentence. She also has prior arrests for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.
Authorities say the case remains under investigation as toxicology results are pending.
