Colbert man flees after backing car into two people riding bike

A Colbert man was arrested last week after he allegedly struck two people on a bicycle while backing his car out of a driveway on Sweetgum Alley in Hull and then left the scene.

Leopold Garcia Mendoza, 28, 5657 Hwy. 29 South, was charged with improper backing, driving without a license and leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run).

According to the incident report, a female juvenile and a 17-year old male were riding a bike together as a silver Mercury Sable backed out of a long driveway on Sweetgum Alley as they crossed the driveway. Despite yelling at the driver, they were struck by the car.

Both victims had visible injuries, according to the report. A witness stated that she smelled alcohol on Mendoza when he got out of the car. When he was told they were going to call the police, he reportedly left the scene. Mendoza was traced through the registered owner of the vehicle and later came to the Madison County Jail where he turned himself in for booking.