Insets (top to bottom): Jason Williams and Charise Dickerson (Facebook). Background: News footage of Collin McLaughlin in court (WNCN).
A 22-year-old North Carolina man accused of killing two people on an e-bike has been released on $1 million bond after surrendering to police in connection with the fatal crash.
Collin McLaughlin broke down in tears during a Friday court appearance, where a judge set bond at $1 million and ordered him to remain under house arrest with an ankle monitor if released. The Wilson Times reported that McLaughlin posted bond and returned home later that day, a decision that angered the families of the alleged victims, 49-year-old Jason Williams and 42-year-old Charise Dickerson. McLaughlin faces two counts each of second-degree murder and felony death by vehicle.
McLaughlin, whose father is a captain with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, reportedly contacted his father before dialing 911 on the morning of the collision.
During Friday’s hearing, prosecutors provided additional details about the crash, which occurred at about 5:10 a.m. Sept. 24 in Wilson, North Carolina. Wilson District Attorney Jeffrey Marsigli said McLaughlin was driving a Toyota Camry at 91 mph in a 45 mph zone and was impaired at the time. Police gave him a breath test at the scene that indicated impairment, according to local CBS affiliate WNCN, and he failed a field sobriety test after being taken to a hospital. Results from a blood test conducted the day of the crash were not available at the hearing.
Williams and Dickerson, who were friends, died at the scene. An accident report obtained by WNCN said the e-bike traveled 419 feet after the impact. During the hearing, Alesia Dickerson, Charise Dickerson’s mother, reportedly shouted, “He dragged my daughter!” before being escorted from the courtroom.
CONTINUE READING: Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ Isolated Life in a Rural Care Home
The Wilson Times reported that McLaughlin called 911 only after first speaking with his father. In a recording obtained from Wilson County Emergency Communications, McLaughlin told a dispatcher, “I was coming home, and I hit someone. He’s dead.”
When the dispatcher asked whether the victim was breathing, McLaughlin reportedly replied, “No, he’s dead. It’s not a person anymore. He’s on the ground beside my car and his bike is stuck under my car. Please hurry up. My dad is on the way.”
According to The Wilson Times, McLaughlin’s father arrived while his son was still speaking with the dispatcher. He reportedly told McLaughlin, “Sit down, Bud. How did you effing hit him?”
Both The Wilson Times and WNCN reported that McLaughlin has accumulated traffic violations since 2022, including speeding and running red lights. Several of those cases were later reduced or dismissed.
McLaughlin surrendered to authorities the morning of his initial court appearance, more than a week after the crash. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 13.
