MT. VERNON, IL — The driver of the vehicle that lost control, ran off the roadway, and hit a pedestrian was arrested Sunday night.
30-year-old Mitchell Sharp of Mt. Vernon was taken into custody on charges of reckless homicide, aggravated reckless driving, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, improper lane usage and aggravated driving under the influence. Illinois State Police reports Sharp’s vehicle was heading west on Main Street, east of 7th Street when he lost control, ran off the road and struck 18-year-old Courtney Estes who was a pedestrian on the sidewalk. The vehicle came to a rest on its side after hitting a house in the 600 block of Main Street.
When Mt. Vernon Police arrived on scene, Sharp had fled the vehicle, while wearing no clothes, and ran west. Officers would later find him in the 800 block of Main Street and he’d be taken to a local hospital for treatment before being transported to and from an Evansville, Indiana hospital, all while in the custody of law enforcement. He is now booked in the Jefferson County Justice Center awaiting further court proceedings.
Estes, a 2023 graduate of Mt. Vernon Township High School, was pronounced dead at the scene by Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Allison Harris. MVTHS posted a message on Facebook to all current and former students who knew her, to seek support via the high school. Funeral arrangements were made for Estes at Hughey Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral service to follow. You can view the complete obituary on Courtney Estes at hugheyfh.com.