Amazon driver charged in Ga. crash that killed 79-year-old

CANTON, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An Amazon driver has been charged in the hit-and-run death of a 79-year-old woman in Georgia.

He also faces drug charges after a search of the van he was driving.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a report of a hit-and-run off Cumming Highway near Jordan Lane at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials said that was where Sandra Fitts was found dead.

Capt. Jay Baker said the woman and her husband had recently sold their home nearby but continue to visit the area to visit a nearby cemetery, where she has family buried, and to feed some wild cats.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation,” he said.

Officials said evidence at the scene led them to believe the vehicle was possibly an Amazon delivery truck.

A deputy spotted an Amazon van turning down Bishop Drive while responding to the accident and called for help to search for it.

Baker said they determined the Amazon driver was traveling west on Cumming Highway when he struck the victim.

A Canton police officer found the truck with damage that matched evidence found at the accident scene, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies said the investigation revealed that the Amazon van was the vehicle that hit the victim.

Authorities then arrested 24-year-old London Best and charged him with vehicular homicide in the first degree and hit-and-run resulting in death.

“It appears that he knows what happened and he actually continued to deliver packages in the area,” Baker said.

Deputies say traffic investigators obtained a search warrant for the Amazon van and discovered narcotics inside, leading to charges of possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of a schedule one narcotic (THC wax) and possession of drug-related objects.

At his Thursday first appearance, Best was given a $75,000 bond. He was also given several bond conditions, which included no alcohol, no driving, no firearm possession, no with the victim’s family and an ankle monitor.

An Amazon spokesperson said Best currently cannot deliver on the company’s behalf.

“We’re deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We’ll local police as they investigate,” the company said.

“Something to keep in mind for all drivers this is a terrible situation, but had he not left the scene, it’s very likely he would not have been charged, certainly not with these felonies,” Baker said.

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