Dallas Man Charged For Hit & Run Fatality, After Surrendering To Police
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A 31-year-old Dallas man has turned himself in for a hit-and-run fatality along Mockingbird Lane early Easter Sunday morning.
Jonathan Eugene Redmond surrendered to police at his home Monday night. According to an arrest affidavit, he gave a videotaped statement admitting he was behind the wheel and fled the crash scene.
Early Sunday, 20-year-old Paul Miltenberger and two friends were crossing Mockingbird Lane near the DART station when Miltenberger was struck and killed.
Dallas Police aren't saying what they think Jonathan Redmond was doing before the wreck or why he fled. "I guess we'd like to think if somebody ever gets involved in this type of incident at some point their conscience is going to compel them to call the police," Deputy Chief Scott Walton told reporters.
Redmond was waiting for officers at his Glen Meadow Estates home in North Dallas. No one answered when CBS 11 News went to the door, but police say Redmond showed them his car, which was then taken to the police impound lot.
The affidavit said it had damage consistent with parts found at the fatality accident scene.
"I'm very surprised - and also glad - that he did the right thing," said Shiela Walker, who spends a lot of time helping nurse a friend just across the street. She has seen Redmond assisting his own father, who she also believes is recovering from health issues. She says the surrender was the honorable thing to do. "Very shocked, very sad to know that. Very sad. I send my prayers out for him and his family."
Miltenberger's family is not commenting on the arrest. Dallas police point out more pedestrians have been killed so far this year than at the same time in 2014.
Even after Sunday's fatality people here at the scene still risk crossing in the middle of the block. Police urge both those behind the wheel and on foot to be more mindful of the dangers.
Dimitri Watson of Dallas said he would think twice before jaywalking Mockingbird again. "Either we should stop crossing the street or people should pay more attention because that's just crazy. Make me not want to cross the street anymore."
Police confirm they have charged Redmond with failing to stop and render aid -- a second degree felony. They also tell CBSDFW Redmond has had no prior brushes with the law.
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