Driver Kills 10-Year-Old in Hit-and-Run; Witnesses Give Chase

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A Brave Pursuit: Couple’s Actions Lead to Arrest of Hit-and-Run Driver

A couple has shared their harrowing experience of chasing a driver who, according to authorities, struck and killed a 10-year-old boy before fleeing the scene. The husband and wife, who have chosen to remain anonymous, described the terrifying moments they spent following the suspect through two counties, desperately trying to get him to stop.

Their story took a dramatic turn after they witnessed the tragic incident on Riverdale Road near Garden Walk on Sunday night. The couple claims they saw a driver hit 10-year-old Khaleb Jackson, and instead of stopping, the driver sped away. This act of negligence sparked an intense pursuit that lasted for 30 minutes.

A Heartbreaking Encounter

The wife, who was visibly upset during her interview with Channel 2’s Tom Jones, recounted how she and her husband tried to confront the driver. She began recording the encounter, asking the driver why he had hit the young boy and then fled.

“You hear her asking, ‘Why would you hit the little boy and keep going? Why would you hit him and keep going?’” she said, reflecting on the emotional video she captured that night.

The couple followed the driver through Clayton County, eventually reaching Fulton Industrial and Bankhead. They remained in contact with 911 throughout the chase, informing emergency services of their location and the driver's actions.

A Critical Moment

During the pursuit, the couple managed to record the driver’s license plate number. On the video, the husband can be heard instructing someone to write it down, saying, “Write it down. Write it down. P73.”

This crucial piece of evidence helped police identify and arrest 52-year-old David Blanchard. Channel 2 Action News reported that Blanchard appeared in court and was denied bond by Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Betrice Scott.

A Family’s Gratitude

Khaleb’s mother expressed deep gratitude to the couple for their efforts in helping bring the suspect to justice. The husband explained that as a parent, he understood the importance of seeking answers for the child’s family.

“Anything to help the family out for the little boy. Cause he didn’t ask for this. He didn’t deserve this,” he said, highlighting the emotional impact of the tragedy.

Blanchard now faces serious charges, including first-degree homicide by vehicle and hit-and-run. The couple emphasized that they did not hesitate to assist in apprehending the driver, knowing they would want the same if something happened to their own children.

A Tragic Loss

Khaleb was a fourth grader at Marshall Elementary School. His mother mentioned that he was with his brother and cousins when the accident occurred, making the loss even more devastating for the family.

Conclusion

The couple’s bravery and determination played a critical role in bringing the hit-and-run driver to justice. Their actions serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger. As the legal process continues, the community remains united in support of Khaleb’s family and in the pursuit of justice.