FROM STAFF REPORTS

CHELSEA – Shelby County 911 received a call Oct. 1 reporting a hit-and-run accident on U.S. 280 near the Chelsea Crossroads shopping area, according to a press release from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s deputies determined the incident was a two-car accident, and that one of the vehicles left the scene immediately following the wreck, the release stated.

According to the release, a witness gave a description of the vehicle that left, and at approximately 1:15 a.m., a Shelby County patrol lieutenant observed the vehicle in a local motel parking lot. The owner of the vehicle, Jill Michelle McReath, 29, of Sterrett, was located at the motel and had determined to have been driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.

McReath was arrested and charged with failing to immediately report an accident and transported to the Shelby County Jail, where she is being held on $5,000 bond, the release stated.

One occupant was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated by fire and rescue personnel before being transported to a local hospital by Lifesaver. Although her injuries were serious, she is expected to recover, the release stated.

Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies, Alabama State Troopers, Chelsea Fire and Rescue and Cahaba Valley Fire and Rescue personnel responded to assist the driver and clear the roadway.

The accident is being investigated by State Troopers with the assistance of the Shelby County Traffic Homicide Task Force.

Once the investigation is complete, a review of the facts will determine if any additional criminal charges are appropriate, the release stated.

Anyone with information about this motor vehicle accident is urged to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office directly at 669-4181, through the Secret Witness line at 669-9116 or through ShelbySO.com by clicking on the “Report Criminal Activity” link and choosing the “General Information” category.