Pedestrian killed; arrest made

UPCHURCH A 68-year-old male pedestrian struck in a hit-and-run accident Tuesday night on 4th Street died from his injuries early Wednesday morning at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, according to the Cherokee County Coroner's Office.

The victim has been identified as David Lewis Sarratt of 110 Michigan Ave., Gaffney.

The S.C. Highway Patrol said James R. Upchurch, 34, of Meadow Lane, is the driver of a pickup truck who left the scene of the accident. Upchurch was arrested by the South Carolina Highway Patrol at about 10:30 p.m.

Cpl. Bryan McDougald of the South Carolina Highway Patrol said Upchurch has been charged with felony hit and run - leaving the scene involving a death.

According to the Cherokee County Detention Center, Upchurch's bond was pending.

The accident happened at about 9:10 p.m., McDougald said. While full details of the incident remain under investigation and are pending a reconstruction by investigators, McDougald said the 1988 Ford truck that allegedly struck the pedestrian was headed east on 4th Street when the collision occurred. Sarratt was airlifted.

The speed limit on 4th Street is 35 mph. McDougald said investigators have not yet determined the speed of the pickup.

Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said he ordered an autopsy to assist with the investigation.