WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A tragic hit-and-run crash in Winston-Salem has claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman and left another pedestrian injured, prompting the arrest of a 25-year-old driver. The incident happened Monday evening in a marked crosswalk, raising serious concerns about pedestrian safety and reckless driving in busy neighborhoods.
According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, officers were called around 6:56 p.m. to the 800 block of East Sprague Street near the intersection with Burgundy Street. Authorities said a vehicle struck two pedestrians who were legally crossing the road in a clearly marked crosswalk. Emergency crews arrived to find both victims injured at the scene.
Police said the vehicle involved was a 2003 Nissan Sentra driven by Maleek Xavier Williamson, 25. Investigators stated that Williamson did not stop to help after hitting the pedestrians and instead fled the scene. Officers immediately began searching the surrounding area for the suspect vehicle.
Authorities said the vehicle was quickly located nearby, and Williamson led officers on a brief pursuit. The chase ended on Yale Avenue, where he was taken into custody without further incident. Police noted that the rapid response helped prevent additional harm and brought the dangerous situation under control.
One of the victims, identified as Kayla Marie Allen, 28, died at the scene from her injuries. A 55-year-old man who was also struck suffered minor injuries and was treated by emergency responders. He is expected to recover, though police acknowledged the crash was traumatic for everyone involved.
Williamson now faces several serious charges, including felony hit-and-run, felony flee to elude, driving while license revoked, borrowed license plate, fictitious registration, and two counts of running a red light. He is currently being held without bond. The Winston-Salem Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate the crash and is urging anyone with information to come forward as the community mourns another life lost on the roadway.
