FORT SMITH — Police arrested a man on Friday in connection with a hit-and-run accident that occurred on Sept. 7, leaving a pedestrian injured.
James Edward Swinson, 50, of South 28th Street, was taken into custody and charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death, according to the Sebastian County Detention Center. He was held on a $54,150 bond.
The incident took place in the 1600-1700 block of South 21st Street, where officers found 69-year-old Linda Pulach with serious injuries in a driveway. Pulach was taken to a local hospital and later transferred for further treatment.
Police quickly identified the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run and located the registered owner, leading to Swinson’s arrest. The victim, Pulach, is reportedly recovering, and Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker expressed relief that she is expected to make a full recovery.
In his statement, Baker acknowledged the challenges of keeping roads safe and stressed the importance of community efforts to protect all pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. This arrest came just hours after another tragic accident in Fort Smith where a cyclist was struck and killed.
“The Fort Smith Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users,” Chief Baker said, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility in maintaining safety.