MT. VERNON — A Mt. Vernon man has been arrested following a Sunday night accident that claimed the life of an 18-year-old Mt. Vernon woman.
Mt. Vernon Police Department reports indicate that the MVPD Dispatch Center received 911 calls at 8:26 pm regarding a rollover traffic accident in the 600 block of Main Street. Additional reports indicated the vehicle had struck a pedestrian and a residence. Members of the Illinois State Police, Mt. Vernon Fire Department, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Litton’s Ambulance responded to the scene.
Upon their arrival, officers were informed the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene and was running westbound without clothing on. Officers were able to locate the male, later identified as 30-year-old Mitchell L. Sharp, in the 800 block of Main Street. The 18-year-old female pedestrian was determined to be deceased by medical personnel on scene. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene.
Sharp was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries and then transferred to an Evansville, Indiana Hospital. During early morning hours on Monday, MVPD received notification that Sharp was able to be released from the hospital. Officers then responded and took Sharp into custody.
Sharp has been incarcerated in the Jefferson County Justice Center on preliminary charges of reckless homicide, aggravated reckless driving, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, improper lane usage and aggravated driving under the influence. Investigators have been working with the Jefferson County States Attorney’s Office and a full review of charges will be conducted by the States Attorney’s Office. Bond is to be set with formal charges pending.
The Illinois State Police are leading the investigation into the accident. An Illinois State Police Accident Reconstructionist responded to the scene. Any media requests for information related to the accident should be directed to the Illinois State Police. The Mt. Vernon Police Department Detective Division is assisting with the criminal investigation.