On Friday, October 01, 2010, Officers from the DeFuniak Springs Police responded to a call of a hit and run accident in the Wal-Mart Parking Lot. It had been reported that a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) had struck a female subject in a wheel-chair. The driver of the vehicle then fled into the Wal-Mart store where he was able to escape on foot.
During the investigation, witnesses provided physical descriptions of the fleeing driver and video surveillance footage was obtained. Officers were able to determine that the driver of the SUV was Christopher Williams (DOB 09/07/1957, Department of Corrections #100787). Further investigation determined that Williams was wanted on numerous felony warrants and was listed by the State Department of Corrections as an Absconder / Fugitive. Williams also reportedly has ten (10) felony convictions and was released by the Department of Corrections into Community Control Probation on 04/28/2009.
Detectives with the DeFuniak Springs Police Department were able to track Williams to an address in Laurel Hill, Florida. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and immediately responded to the Laurel Hill area where deputies located and affected the arrest of Christopher Williams.
Williams was transported to the Walton County Jail where he faces multiple felony charges from several local agencies. The DeFuniak Springs Police have charged Williams with violation of Florida State Statute 316.027 (1) (a) (Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injury - Felony).
The injured female was transported for treatment by EMS. Fast and effective investigation and communication has taken a dangerous fugitive off the street.