Cops and Courts, News

Vehicle involved in fatal hit-and-run Friday is in police custody

MORGANTOWN — Police have the vehicle that struck and killed Divanté Coles on Earl L. Core Road July 6.

It was found Thursday evening and is being processed.
Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston released the information Friday afternoon.

The release indicated Morgantown Police worked with the Clarksburg Police Department and Harrison County Sheriff’s Department to find the vehicle, but there was no information about where it was found nor its make and model.
According to the release, no more details are available, but will be released as they are.
Coles, 20, was biking home from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen on Earl L. Core Road, where he worked for about six months, when a vehicle — traveling the same direction — struck him from behind at about 11:15 p.m., The Dominion Post previously reported.
The car continued traveling towards the downtown area after hitting Coles.
He was taken to J.W. Ruby Memorial hospital with serious injuries and died at 5:57 a.m. the next morning.
At the time, Preston said the car was believed to be a dark-colored, full-sized sedan, mostly likely a Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300. They also suspected it would have damage to the front end, including the headlights, the hood or the windshield.
Police determined the type of car from watching video from various businesses in the area.