FORT SMITH, Ark. — After multiple hit-and-run incidents and other crashes causing injury or death have plagued Fort Smith in the past weeks, Chief of Police Danny Baker released a statement calling for "safety improvements" in the city.
In September alone there were at least two hit-and-runs that made headlines, with at least one other crash that killed a bicyclist.
The first hit-and-run of the month that captured attention was a crash involving 69-year-old pedestrian Linda Pulach, who was out walking her dog in the morning when she was struck and severely injured.
Linda, who neighbors described as a sweet, well-loved, and valued member of the community, was life-flighted to Little Rock after the incident, where she is expected to make a full recovery despite suffering broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken arm, a broken leg, and broken ankles, among other injuries.
On Sept. 20, FSPD announced that they had arrested 50-year-old James Swinson in connection to the case after weeks of investigation. He now faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an injury accident and contempt-willful disobedience.
Chief Baker addressed this in his statement on Friday, saying he was thankful for Swinson's arrest.
"I am so very thankful that the victim in the September 7th hit-and-run incident, Ms. Linda Pulach, is expected to make a full recovery. I am also deeply indebted to our investigators, prosecutor's office, and citizens for the hard work and collaboration resulting in today's arrest of James Edward Swinson," Baker said.
The second hit-and-run of September that FSPD shared information on was a crash involving motorcyclist Dillon Elkins.
Dillon spoke to 5NEWS about the incident, saying it was "excruciating" and that the injuries he sustained put his ability to operate his small business at risk.
"I turned left onto Grand out of a red light and an SUV came between George's and Taco Bell and didn't stop and hit me in the rear driver's side of the motorcycle," Dillon said. "When it lost traction, it drove me into a curb, and I went through the curb and had to lay it down, and then it hit a bus stop sign or something, and I landed in the El Super Taco parking lot."
FSPD is still investigating this incident, and Dillon said he's focusing on getting healthy again and hoping someone comes forward.
Another crash that occurred, while not a hit-and-run, shook the Fort Smith community just hours before Baker's letter was released.
FSPD shared on Sept. 20 that 68-year-old Steve Hobbs, described as a "long-time local resident and avid cyclist," was killed in a crash
The driver of the vehicle that hit him stayed on the scene and cooperated with the investigation, according to FSPD.
Baker said Hobbs "lost his life on our streets doing what he loved when he was struck by a motorist."
The numerous deaths and injuries prompted Baker to call on the community, saying that FSPD's enforcement and education can "only go so far."
"As the number of people utilizing our roads and trails continues to increase, we as a community must be doing all we can to create an environment that is safe for all roadway users, whether cyclists, pedestrians, or motorists," Baker said. "It is my hope that the arrest of Mr. Swinson in the September 7th hit-and-run incident and today's tragic death of Mr. Hobbs will underscore the pressing need for significant safety improvements in our mobility infrastructure."
"The Fort Smith Police Department remains steadfastly committed to doing our part in making the streets and pedestrian ways of Fort Smith safe for all who travel upon them," Baker added.
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