Decatur woman charged with running over injured motorcyclist, driving off in Athens

From News Channel 9: As a motorcyclist lay in the middle of a McMinn County road with injuries from a collision that had just happened, a passing SUV ran over and killed him, and then drove off.

After a months-long investigation, police in Athens now say the driver of that SUV is facing charges.

57-year-old Phillip Oswalt was killed at the intersection of Redfern Drive and Congress Parkway in the early morning hours of June 18th.

After the collision, the driver of the vehicle who hit Oswalt on his motorcycle remained at the scene.

It was then that police say 53-year-old Eileen Stapler of Decatur was driving by in a dark-colored SUV.

UPDATE (Friday):
Athens Police have obtained surveillance images of the driver responsible for the deadly hit and run of a motorcyclist early Wednesday morning.

Police now say investigators have determined that the driver was white and female, but her age is unclear.

If you know who this female driver is or know someone who does, contact the Athens Police Department.

If you wish to remain anonymous, your identity will not be revealed by calling 423-744-2739.

Depend on us to keep you posted as the search for this driver continues.


EARLIER:
The search is on for the driver of a dark-colored SUV who struck and killed a motorcyclist in Athens early Wednesday morning.

The accident happened at about 5 a.m. at the intersection of Redfern Road and Congress Parkway, according to a release from the Athens Police Department.

Arriving officers on the scene found the motorcyclist victim, who was declared dead. Authorities have not identified the victim pending notification of next of kin.

Investigators learned two collisions happened at the same site at about the same time. Athens Police's release says

The original crash then a separate crash involving a dark colored SUV which after striking the motorcycle driver fled the scene Northbound on Congress Parkway.

Police say they're hoping nearby businesses might have captured the SUV on their surveillance cameras, and as asking those business owners to reach out.

If you know anything about this, call the Athens Police Department at 423-744-2730.
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