The man accused of driving drunk and critically injuring a Cherokee County woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday in an Athens courtroom.
William Wilson Heaton Jr., 23, is accused of striking Emily Bowman, then 19, in February as she walked with friends. Heaton allegedly did not stop after hitting Bowman, but his pickup truck was later located at a nearby apartment complex, police previously said. An open bottle of alcohol was found inside the truck’s cab and beer cans were in the back, according to police.
Bowman underwent emergency brain surgery after the crash and was in a coma for three weeks before being transferred to the Shepherd Center in Buckhead. Earlier this month, Bowman returned to her Cherokee County home, where she requires constant care.
On March 6, Heaton surrendered and was booked into the Clarke County jail. He was released after posting $50,000 bond and required to wear an ankle monitor.
Heaton waived his right to an arraignment and instead entered not guilty pleas for six charges. His next court date as not been set, a spokesperson for Judge H. Patrick Haggard said Wednesday afternoon.
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