$100,000 bond set in hit-and-run case
Prosecutor: Suspect has prior DUI and DUS convictions
By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com

UPCHURCH

A 34-year-old Gaffney man will have to post a $100,000 bond to be released from the Cherokee County Detention Center following his arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run on 4th Street.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is alleging James R. Upchurch of Meadow Lane was behind the wheel of a 1988 Ford pickup that struck a 68- year pedestrian on 4th Street at about 9:10 p.m. Tuesday. He was located and arrested by state police about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The pedestrian, David Lewis Sarratt, of Michigan Avenue, died early Wednesday morning at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, resulting in police charging Upchurch with the felony charge of fleeing the scene of an accident involving a death.

During a Wednesday bond hearing, Deputy 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette argued for a high bond, claiming Upchurch was a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Barnette told the court Upchurch has various prior convictions, including three prior convictions for driving under the influence, two prior convictions for driving under suspension and driving an uninsured vehicle.

State police tracked Upchurch down based on parts from his truck that were found at the scene of the collision. Barnette told the court Upchurch was drinking beer when police found him at a friend's house and that his friend claimed Upchurch was drinking to calm his nerves.

Fleeing the scene of an accident involving a death carries the potential for the same penalties of one to 25 years imprisonment as felony DUI, Barnette said.

South Carolina Highway Patrol investigators still are looking into the collision and they could release no new details Thursday. It wasn't clear when accident reconstructors would finish their probe.

David Sarratt was walking home from his brother Roosevelt Sarratt's home Tuesday evening when he was struck. Roosevelt said his brother visited him almost every day.

"He was a good, kind man," Roosevelt said of his brother.

Looking at the clock late Thursday afternoon, Roosevelt remarked that it was just about the time of day his brother would have dropped by. At five minutes to seven, Roosevelt said, the two would turn on the television to watch the Pick 3 education lottery drawing.

Sarratt's obituary appears on Page 8A. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon.