CHAPPELL HILL MAN ARRESTED AFTER HITTING TRAFFIC OFFICER WITH VEHICLE DURING ‘AIRING OF THE QUILTS’

  

A Chappell Hill man faces several charges after authorities say he struck a traffic control officer with his vehicle during the Airing of the Quilts event in Chappell Hill this past weekend.

According to DPS Sergeant Justin Ruiz, 26-year-old Billy Hyman was driving north on FM 1155 at a high rate of speed shortly after 12:15 p.m. Saturday, when he approached the site of the quilt event in downtown Chappell Hill.

While directing traffic and pedestrians, Washington County Citizens on Patrol (COP) noticed Hyman, who was driving a 2013 Toyota Tundra, approaching quickly and signaled for him to slow down.

According to Sgt. Ruiz, Hyman then moved into the southbound lane of FM 1155 while continuing to travel north.  A COP officer moved into the southbound lane to try to stop Hyman’s vehicle, but was hit and knocked to the ground.

Sgt. Ruiz said Hyman failed to stop and render aid and continued driving.  He was arrested 30 minutes later on Highway 105.

Hyman was charged with Failure to Control Speed, Disregarding an Official Traffic Control Device, Interfering with an Official Traffic Control Device and Reckless Driving, all misdemeanors.  He was released Sunday on $17,500 bond.

According to Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak, the officer suffered minor cuts and bruises.