Man accused in deadly hit-and-run collision in uptown Charlotte turns himself in after crashing in Georgia

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A man accused of striking and killing a pedestrian and taking off in uptown Charlotte turned himself in to police on Monday.

Cornell Jermaine Watts, 34, was charged with felony hit and run and reckless driving.

Police said Watts was involved in a wreck in College Park, Georgia last week. His Ford Expedition was taken and returned to Charlotte to be processed.

After arrest warrants were obtained, Watts turned himself in to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

The deadly hit-and-run collision happened early April 19 off South Tryon Street.

Officers were called to a car accident involving a pedestrian in uptown Charlotte. When they arrived, they found Fran Kelly lying in the roadway with serious injuries.

She was taken to a nearby hospital where she died of her injuries.

The preliminary investigation revealed Kelly was crossing the intersection of S Tryon at Trade streets when a burgundy and tan Ford Expedition came through the intersection and hit her.

The driver of the Ford fled the scene and failed to contact 911 to report a crash.

Anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash should contact Detective Buckley at 704-432-2169, ext. 6.

The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-34-1600 or charlottecrimestoppers.com.

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