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Hope Mills Hit-And-Run Victim Dies From Injuries; Suspect In Custody

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HOPE MILLS, N.C. — Hope Mills police have charged Jeffrey Fraley with involuntary manslaughter after the death of an 8-year-old boy from injuries suffered in a hit-and-run on Friday.

Police say 8-year-old Johnny Peery was riding his bicycle on Fairview Road Friday when a car hit him, then took off. Sunday night, Fraley was in the Cumberland County Jail, accused of being the driver of that car.

Fraley initially was charged with felony hit and run, but the charges were upgraded after Peery died around 6:30 p.m. Sunday in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

According to a police spokesman, Peery was riding his bicycle about 3 p.m. Friday when he was struck. He was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.

Fraley turned himself into police early Sunday morning. He was being held on $10,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

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