A North Platte man has been arrested for felony hit-and-run and driving under suspension thanks to a Lincoln County Crimestoppers tip.
According to a report from the North Platte Police Department officers responded to the area of 5th and Carr in regards to a vehicle that had struck a pedestrian then left the scene on Sunday, April 20 at 6:44 pm. The officers spoke with several witnesses who indicated that 32-year-old Sarah Doherty of North Platte had stopped her car near the south curb of 5th Street facing eastbound. According to the report Doherty exited her car for a short period of time and when she went to re-enter it a silver SUV traveling westbound allegedly ran the stop sign for east/west traffic on 5th Street and continued westbound toward her. Doherty attempted to move out of the way when the vehicle struck her arm. Officers note she had visible injury to her arm, but did not get transported from the scene by paramedics. The SUV stopped for a brief amount of time, but the driver did not get out or make any attempt to contact anyone at the scene. Witnesses provided a description of the driver and the vehicle.
According to the NPPD report a Lincoln County Crimestoppers tip was received after the initial investigation, giving officers a lead in the case. The tip indicated that Travis Johns, 39, of North Platte was the driver of the vehicle. Further investigation by the officers showed that Johns had a vehicle registered to him that is similar to the one described as the one involved in the accident. Officers contacted Johns on Tuesday, May 22 and developed enough probable cause to show he was the driver involved. Johns was arrested for felony hit-and-run for leaving an accident with injury and driving under suspension.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or any similar incidents are encouraged to call the North Platte Police Department 308-535-6789. Anonymous information can be given by calling 534-8400 or online at www.lincolncountycrimstoppers.