UPDATE 10/30/2016
GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia Police have charged 21-year-old Katie Montgomery with Felony Hit and Run for striking and killing 44-year-old Wanda Sue Hearn Friday night.
Officers say they had been following up on leads throughout the day and located the burgundy 2008 GMC Acadia at a family member’s home of the vehicle owner in Gaston County.
According to officials, Montgomery turned herself into the Gastonia Police Department upon finding the vehicle.
This is still an active investigation.
10/29/2016
GASTONIA, N.C. – Police are asking for help locating the driver of a 2010-2012 GMC Acadia SUV that was involved in a fatal hit and run Friday night shortly before 9:45 p.m.
Officials say Hearn was walking on the 2700 block of Court Drive when she was struck by the SUV.
Hearn died on scene from her injuries.
Police say the driver continued west on Court Drive towards Cox Road and is believed to have turned right towards Ozark Ave. Officials say the vehicle was coming from the Smyre Drive area of Gastonia.
The vehicle should have damage to the front right headlamp, fog light, and/or bumper.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone who may have seen the incident or have any additional information can contact Officer J. Ewers with the Gastonia Police Department Traffic Enforcement Bureau at 704-866- 6702.
Hearn’s family created a GoFundMe page for her funeral costs. You can go to the page HERE.
Police issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) for the vehicle and these are photographs of what police believe the vehicle looks like.
The color is possibly burgundy or dark in color.
