Methodist student killed in hit-and-run

A Methodist University student was killed over the weekend in a hit-and-run in Harnett County, authorities said.

Kevin Michael Mroczko, 37, of Lillington, was riding his motorcycle on U.S. Highway 401 at about 4 a.m. Sunday when he was hit from behind by a Cadillac near Byrd Road, north of Bunnlevel, according to the State Highway Patrol.

Mroczko and Stephanie Anne Warn, 29, of Dunn, were thrown from the motorcycle. He died at the scene, and she was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and later transferred to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill with serious injuries. She was listed in good condition Wednesday.

The Cadillac then ran off the left side of the road and overturned, authorities said. The driver fled on foot, but state troopers later arrested Curtis Devonn Harris, 33, of Benson.

Harris is charged with felony death by vehicle, felony serious injury by vehicle, two counts of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death, driving while impaired, failure to reduce speed, driving with a revoked license and reckless driving in the case. He also was charged with attempted first-degree burglary, injury to personal property and resisting a public officer.

Methodist President Ben Hancock said Mroczko was a nursing student who was involved with the Student Veterans Association on campus.

Counselors were available Wednesday as students and faculty returned from fall break, Hancock said, and a candle-lighting recognition of Mroczko was to take place during the campus' regular Wednesday chapel service.