By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
An alleged hit-and-run driver turned himself in to police Tuesday morning, a day after officers said he fled following a wreck in downtown Brewton.
But police had already identified their suspect from surveillance footage at a local restaurant.
Police began a search for the driver after he left the scene of the accident Monday afternoon, Lt. Feast Broughton said Tuesday.
John D. Jones, 23, of Appleton Road in Brewton, was waiting for Broughton when he arrived for work on Tuesday morning, Broughton said.
Jones was responsible for the accident that left another driver bewildered after being struck from behind.
Earl Thompson, who was driving a 2006 Honda CRV, said he was breaking in traffic when the truck driven by Jones struck him.
Thompson, who is owner of the gospel-music radio station WELJ, said he was blessed to not be injured in the incident.
Jones was driving erratically just before the incident occurred according to eyewitness Mike Deslonde, who owns a business across the street from the accident scene.
Deslonde said the truck then veered across the street and cut across the railroad tracks and headed south on St. Joseph Street.
After turning behind the St. Joseph Street business, Jones abandoned the Chevy 1500 he was driving, Deslonde said.
Brewton police officers made contact with Jones after the investigation turned up leads. He was charged with several traffic violations as a result of his actions Tuesday afternoon, Broughton said.
There were no injuries reported in the incident.