A shocking incident from North Carolina has left a young boy seriously injured after a crash caused by an allegedly impaired driver. The case has raised serious concerns about road safety and reckless driving, especially in residential areas.
What Happened in the Incident?
The accident took place on April 20 in New Hanover County. According to police, a 9-year-old boy was sitting on his bicycle in his own driveway when a car suddenly veered off the road.
Authorities say the driver crossed the centre line and entered the driveway, hitting the child with great force. The impact was so severe that both the vehicle and the boy were thrown into a nearby wall.
Severe Injuries to the Child
The young victim suffered extremely serious injuries in the crash. Reports confirmed that:
- His leg was severed due to the impact
- He sustained multiple other injuries
- He was rushed to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment
Doctors are continuing to care for the child, who remains hospitalised.
Who Is the Accused?
Police have identified the driver as Theodore Gause, a 51-year-old man. Authorities allege that he was under the influence of multiple substances, including cocaine, opiates, and benzodiazepines at the time of the crash.
What Happened After the Crash?
After hitting the child, the accused reportedly got out of his car and ran away from the scene. Witnesses saw him and helped authorities locate and arrest him.
Investigators also revealed that:
- He initially claimed he thought he had hit a curb
- When informed that it was a child, he allegedly tried to flee again
Charges and Criminal Background
The accused is now facing several serious charges, including felony serious injury by vehicle, hit and run, and driving while impaired. He is also charged with driving while his licence was already revoked.
Court records show that he has a past criminal history involving violent behaviour. He had been released from prison in 2025, and his parole had ended just weeks before this incident.
Legal Status and Next Hearing
Authorities have taken strict action in this case. The accused has been:
- Held on a very high bond amount of 31 million dollars
- Scheduled to appear in court again on May 7
The case is being closely followed due to the severity of the injuries and the circumstances involved.
