Man arrested in connection with fatal hit-and-run in Fayetteville

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that happened early Friday near the intersection of Center and Craven streets in Fayetteville.

According to investigators, Jimmy Gilchrist ran a stop sign in a GMC Yukon while traveling north on Center Street at about 3 a.m. and hit the driver's side of a Chevrolet Aveo. Gilchrist fled from the vehicle after the collision, authorities said. He was arrested Friday morning on Cedar Creek Road without incident.

Joseph Snoke, 28, and Kesha Oxendine, 37, were taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where Snoke was pronounced dead. Oxendine was listed in critical condition Friday morning.

Fayetteville police spokesman Todd Joyce said the Aveo traveled 100 feet after the crash.

"It came to rest and Mr. Gilchrist's vehicle came to rest right beside a house. He didn't hit the house, but it was very close," he said.

Authorities said Gilchrist was involved in another hit-and-run involving two vehicles at a Cook Out on Owen Drive just prior to the fatal wreck. Joyce said Gilchrist fell asleep in his car while waiting to order.

"Someone went to rouse him. When that occurred, he hit a vehicle in front of him, backed up and hit another vehicle and took off," Joyce said.

Cellphone video from the incident at the restaurant helped authorities identify Gilchrist, Joyce said.

Officers found him walking along the road just after 9 a.m. and arrested him without incident.

Gilchrist was charged with voluntary manslaughter, felonious hit-and-run and careless and reckless driving in connection with the fatal crash. He was also charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run and driving with a revoked license in connection with the collision at Cook Out.

Anyone with information about the wreck should call the Fayetteville Police Department at 910-433-1143 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-8477.