A Ruston man was arrested Friday night following a hit-and-run crash that left multiple people injured, according to an affidavit filed by Ruston Police.
Police identified the suspect as Jeffrey M. Williamson, 58. Officers were dispatched around 10:03 p.m. to the South Service Road near Willow Glen Drive regarding a crash involving at least three vehicles.
According to the report, officers arrived to find one of the vehicles had struck two others, causing minor injuries to some occupants and more significant injuries to others. Several individuals required medical attention and were transported for treatment.
Investigators determined Williams, one of the drivers involved, had fled the scene on foot before police arrived. Witness statements and evidence at the scene indicated Williamson had been operating the vehicle responsible for the crash.
Police later located Williamson in a nearby wooded area. The affidavit states officers observed signs of impairment, including slurred speech, unsteady balance, and the odor of alcohol. Williamson allegedly admitted to being involved in the crash but claimed he left the scene due to fear.
Authorities also discovered Williamson had an active warrant for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on a driving under suspension charge..
Williamson was taken into custody and transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. He refused to submit to a breath test.
Williamson was booked for first offense DWI, hit and run driving, vehicular negligent injuring, driving under suspension, careless operation, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, and the City Court warrant.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
