A Springfield man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in connection with an early morning hit and run on the city's north side.
Evan Hutson, 22, was arrested for aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a vehicle. Police said at 12:39 a.m. Thursday, they responded to the area of Fifth Street and North Grand Avenue for a report of multiple people struck by a vehicle.
Upon arrival, they said officers were told a gold Lexus had driven over a curb then proceeded into the parking lot of the Qik-n-Ez at 430 N. Grand Avenue. Witnesses reported there was an altercation between the driver and two subjects in the parking lot. The driver then got back in the vehicle and proceeded to drive through a group of people on the sidewalk just to the east of the lot.
Police said a female that was sitting on the sidewalk was injured as the vehicle ran over her legs. She was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Another individual reported having his feet ran over, however he refused medical treatment. Several other witnesses left the scene trying to locate the vehicle as it left the area.
A short time later, an officer located the vehicle unoccupied near the intersection of Sixth Street and Keys Avenue. Identification was located in the vehicle and is believed to belong to the driver. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
After being apprehended, Hutson was taken to a local hospital for treatment for issues unrelated to the arrest.
Springfield Police continue to investigate.
