17-year-old charged with hit-and-run, accused of striking cyclists

Joseph J. Herbert

Credit: Fayette County Sheriff's Office

Credit: Fayette County Sheriff's Office

Joseph J. Herbert

A teenager is facing a felony charge after Fayette County officials accused him of hitting two cyclists and then driving away.

Joseph J. Herbert, 17, is charged with felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor hit-and-run, along with other traffic offenses, in connection with the case, Fayette sheriff’s office spokesman Lt. Allen Stevens confirmed to AJC.com.

Officials said the cyclists were riding single-file along Goza Road about 7:45 p.m. Thursday. Herbert, who authorities said was driving a Chevrolet Suburban, allegedly clipped them from behind with the SUV’s mirror.

The mirror hit a 48-year-old woman first and caused her to crash, officials said. Then, it hit a 52-year-old man who was riding in front of her.

The woman sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, authorities said. The man was not injured.

Fayette officials said Herbert kept driving after the collision. He was taken into custody Friday and booked into the county jail.

In other news: