Morning update
On Wednesday March 27, 2024 at approximately 1:30PM, 37 year Latoya D. Johnston of the Water Valley area, turned herself to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, on charges related to the hit and run incident that occurred this past Sunday evening.
She was served with an arrest warrant charging her with Assault 2nd Degree, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Driving on a Suspended Operators License. It was also learned today that the vehicle that she was operating, a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse was not insured.
The vehicle was impounded due to not having insurance.
Ms. Johnston expressed her apologies and apologized for not coming forward sooner and provided a full confession.
She was transported to an out of county detention center.
Previous update
Update on Hit and Run Investigation in Water Valley / Suspect Identified and at Large
The Graves County Sheriff’s Office has identified the hit and run driver from the pedestrian hit and run that occurred Sunday night.
At approximately 8:30PM Sunday March 24, 2024, 911 calls were received reporting that a vehicle (red SUV) had struck a pedestrian in the 13000 block of US Hwy 45 South just north of the Water Valler community, and then fled the scene.
It was later determined that the victim 37 year old Jamie L. Jackson of Water Valley was in the roadway chasing after a dog when the SUV struck her, knocking her several feet.
After an exhaustive investigation by sheriff’s deputies and detectives, they have in fact identified the vehicle as being a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, red in color. The vehicle was being driven by 37 year old Latoya D. Johnston who has ties to the Fulton and Union City Tennessee area.
Sheriff’s deputies made phone contact with Johnston a few hours after the collision and she agreed to meet with investigators the following morning, but she failed to do so. Johnston hasn’t shown up for work at her place of employment since the crash, and her family report that her whereabouts are unknown, leading investigators to believe that she may have left the area.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Johnston for Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injury, Failure to Render Aid, Driving on a Suspended Operators License.
Additional charges are possible.
The victim of 36 year old Jamie L. Jackson was life flighted from the scene Sunday night to an out of state hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Anyone in the Mayfield, Fulton, or Union City areas that has information as to the whereabouts of Latoya D. Johnston, are asked to contact the Graves County Sheriff’s Office at (270) 247-4501, or any law enforcement agency.
Attached is a stock photograph of the vehicle being operated by Johnston, as well as the suspect in this case.
Deputy Garrett Clark is the lead investigator on the investigation.
