An arrest has been made in the hit-and-run death of a lineman with Pike Electric in Johnston County.
Ronald Thomas Mayo, 44, of Smithfield, was arrested at a residence off U.S. Highway 70 in Johnston County on Thursday just before midnight, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.
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Mayo is charged with felony hit and run involving death. He was transported to the Johnston County Detention Center. On Friday afternoon, a judge left his bond at $50,000.
The flatbed Sewer Cleaner truck he was driving was located and impounded around 10 p.m. Thursday.
The charges stem from an incident just before 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on Live Oak Church Road. The highway patrol said that Mayo disregarded a stop signal given by traffic control personnel who were halting traffic due to low-hanging power lines.
Repair technicians were working on the power lines as the truck traveled through the scene and became entangled with one of the low-hanging wires. This caused one of the repair technicians, James P. Rudzki, 29, of Wendell, to fall to the ground, resulting in fatal injuries.
Another lineman was taken to the hospital and released after being treated.
The highway patrol said that Mayo failed to remain at the scene.
The owner of the truck, who is a family member of the driver, released a statement following the arrest
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the Pike electric worker recently killed in the unfortunate accident. The driver of the vehicle was not even aware of their apparent involvement until recently. There is much incorrect information being shared and we look forward to a complete investigation of this unfortunate incident."