FedEx driver who hit pedestrian and fled scene faces felony charge in Hoover

A 21-year-old Pleasant Grove woman this week was charged with a felony in a hit-and-run incident in Hoover that occurred on Nov. 13.

Hoover police said Tiarta Jhane Smith was driving a FedEx truck when it struck a 55-year-old man near the intersection of South Shades Crest Road and Russet Woods Drive just after noon on Nov. 13.

The man was working for a tree removal company and helping slow traffic while his co-worker backed a truck into the roadway. He suffered several broken bones and other serious injuries, and he spent a week at UAB Hospital. He is now recovering at home.

Smith reportedly slowed after hitting the victim and then sped away, but witnesses followed her and attempted to stop her.

"We’re very appreciative of the witnesses who provided us with valuable information that lead to the identity of the driver," said Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector. "The suspect realized she was being followed by witnesses and she passed cars on the shoulder and drove through a yard to escape. She clearly knew that she had struck the victim and she could have stopped and assisted. Instead, she made the terrible decision of fleeing and now she has to face the consequences of her actions."

Witnesses saw the driver was wearing a FedEx shirt, and investigators found the suspect’s vehicle at the Homewood FedEx facility on Snow Drive.

“FedEx management fully cooperated with detectives, which included providing the name of the driver,” Rector said.

Smith on Tuesday was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. She surrendered at the Hoover Jail Tuesday and was transferred to the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not already come forward can contact traffic investigator Dustin Swinford at 822-5300.