Suspect in Fatal Crash Surrenders
Posted/updated on: October 17, 2012 at 2:26 am
GILMER – A man wanted in connection with a fatal wreck near Overton has surrendered to authorities in Upshur County. Justin Lee Echols, 30, of Diana turned himself in at the Upshur County Jail Monday. He will be transferred to the Smith County Jail.
The accident happened last week on County Road 217 just north of Overton. Officials at the scene say a man in a Ford F-350 truck, believed to be Echols, lost control while turning a corner and hit a tree. A passenger in the truck was Michele Allen, 27, of Harleton. She was thrown from the truck and pinned underneath it. She later died from her injuries. Authorities believe Echols, hopped on an ATV, traveled away from the crash site and crashed again. He then reportedly ran from the area. State troopers had an arrest warrant for Echols, charging him with accident involving personal injury or death.
