A semi dump truck driver was charged Friday with leaving a crash after hitting a white Jeep, causing it to spin and kill a man on the sidewalk in Gary.
Melvin R. Bryant, who does not have an address listed in online court records, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to another person, a Level 4 felony, and leaving the scene of an accident, a misdemeanor.
He has not been jailed. His bond is set at $2,500 cash surety.
Gary Police responded at 7:10 a.m. June 13 to U.S. 12 and Grant Street.
George Griffin III, 32, was taken to Methodist Hospitals where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
The Jeep’s driver said he was headed west on U.S. 12 when the red truck turned and struck his vehicle, sending it spinning toward Griffin.
The tow truck appeared to stop for a moment before pulling off. Police arrested Bryant near 25th Avenue and Grant Street. He said he had to swing out to turn when the white Jeep drove around him.
He left to find a “safe” place to pull over. Cops noted it was 20 blocks from the crash.
Griffin is survived by an aunt, according to his obituary.
mcolias@post-trib.com
