A St. Albans city councilman struck a man with his vehicle on Tuesday, police say.
It happened at about 6:18 p.m. near the intersection of Grant Avenue and Chestnut Street. Garrell Hubert Bentley, 66, of Tornado, was leaving the El Dorado Club and walking to his car when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Desper Lemon, St. Albans police said in a statement. The 80-year-old Lemon represents St. Albans' 7th Ward.
Lemon stayed at the scene. Bentley was taken to Thomas Memorial Hospital and was scheduled to be transferred to Charleston Area Medical Center's General Division.
When reached by telephone following the incident, Lemon expressed concern for Bentley.
"All I can do is just hope that the gentleman is going to be OK," Lemon said, noting that Bentley was "lying there" and not moving when emergency vehicles arrived.
While still at the scene, Lemon received word that Bentley was alive and being transported to the hospital.
Lemon, who said he remembers that people "hollered" at Bentley prior to the incident, is cooperating with police in their investigation. There are witnesses to the incident.
"It'll be a restless night for sure," Lemon concluded.
As of Tuesday evening, St. Albans police still were investigating the incident, police said.