Columbus Man Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run on 5th Avenue

By Janell Williams

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Columbus police have arrested a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on Sept. 20 near the intersection of 5th Avenue and 20th Street. Authorities identified Christopher McNeil as the driver who allegedly struck two pedestrians and fled the scene.

One pedestrian, Robert Norman, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other sustained injuries consistent with a vehicle collision.

The Columbus Police Motor Squad led the investigation, which resulted in McNeil's arrest on Oct. 30. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree homicide by vehicle and hit-and-run.

McNeil had his preliminary hearing in Muscogee County Recorder’s Court on at 8 a.m. on Oct. 31.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking for residents to report any additional information related to the incident.