A beloved City of Sparta Police Dispatcher has been killed in a hit-and-run incident.
On Thursday, the Sparta Police Department announced the tragic passing of Mary Jones, Dispatcher 305.
According to the police department, Dispatcher Jones was struck and killed by a passing motorist while attempting to secure items on a trailer. She had exited a vehicle that was parked on the right shoulder of the road.
The unfortunate event occurred not long after midnight on September 12 as Jones was traveling I-95 in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Dispatcher Jones was a dedicated member of our Department and served her community with
distinction,” said Tommie Walker, Jr., Sparta Police Chief. “Her loss is deeply felt, and we ask that you keep her husband, the entire Jones family, and the Sparta Police Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Responding Florida State Troopers said that the driver responsible for striking the 63-year-old woman did not stop after the collision and continued driving to flee the scene.
On Thursday morning, the Florida Highway Patrol asked the surrounding public to assist in the search for the driver and vehicle responsible for the accident.
By the early afternoon, the black SUV with noticeable damage to the right front bumper and missing passenger side mirror was located. As of Friday, the manhunt for the driver of the vehicle is ongoing.