HUNTER DWORACZYK
A hit-and-run case investigated by the Taylor Police Department has reached its conclusion.
Authorities arrested Carric Lee Mercer Jr., 34, of Taylor, Friday, Jan. 5. Mercer was charged with an accident involving injury or death, which is a thirddegree felony.
Police said they received a call at around 10 a.m. Dec. 23 that there was an accident involving a bicyclist and a motor vehicle at 2500 N. Main Street, near McDonald’s.
“Essentially what happened was the victim in this case was traveling north on a bicycle on the sidewalk,” Commander Joseph Branson said. “The vehicle was also traveling north on North Main and made a left turn into the McDonald’s parking lot, and that’s where the collision occurred.”
According to Taylor PD, Mercer struck the victim, Eric Carpenter, while driving a pickup truck and fled the scene without providing insurance information or seeing if medical attention was needed. Carpenter was left with what police described as “seriously bodily injuries” that were not life-threatening.
Taylor PD shortly had Mercer as a
prime suspect in the case, with the police impounding the truck believed to be involved in the incident as evidence.
Taylor PD consulted with the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office to help determine what charges it should file.
Mercer was arrested by the Georgetown Police Department, but under a Taylor PD warrant. The outside entity placed him under arrest because he was outside of Taylor.
Conviction of a thirddegree felony can carry a sentence of two to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Mercer is still in custody at the Williamson County jail on a $40,000 bond.
