Amazon driver charged in Ga. crash in which a 79-year-old died

CANTON, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – An Amazon driver has been charged in the hit-and-run death of a 79-year-old woman in Georgia.

He also faces drug charges following a search of the van he was driving.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said officers responded to a report of a collision on Cumming Highway near Jordan Lane on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Officials said Sandra Fitts was found dead there.

Captain Jay Baker said the woman and her husband had recently sold their home nearby, but continue to visit the area to visit a nearby cemetery, where family members are buried, and to feed some feral cats.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation,” he said.

Officials said evidence at the scene led them to believe the vehicle may have been an Amazon van.

A deputy spotted an Amazon van turning off Bishop Drive while responding to the crash and called for backup to search for it.

Baker said they determined the Amazon driver was traveling west on Cumming Highway when he struck the victim.

According to the sheriff’s office, a Canton police officer found the truck with damage consistent with evidence found at the crash scene.

Deputies said the investigation revealed the Amazon van was the vehicle that struck the victim.

While Eric Weems enjoyed the technical side and the detail-oriented side of the work,...

Authorities then arrested 24-year-old London Best and charged him with first-degree murder and hit-and-run resulting in death.

“It appears he knew what happened and actually continued to deliver packages in the area,” Baker said.

Deputies say traffic investigators obtained a search warrant for the Amazon van and discovered narcotics inside, leading to charges of possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of a controlled substance (THC was ) and possession of drug-related objects.

At his first appearance on Thursday, Best was given a $75,000 bond. He was also given several bail conditions, including no alcohol, no driving, no possession of firearms, no contact with the victim’s family and an ankle monitor.

An Amazon spokesperson said Best is currently unable to deliver on the company’s behalf.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. We will support local police in their investigation,” the company said.

“Something to keep in mind for all drivers is that this is a terrible situation, but if he had not left the scene, he most likely would not have been charged, especially with these crimes,” Baker said.