The quiet stretch of Chastain Drive in Jackson turned into a crime scene Wednesday after a violent hit-and-run claimed the life of a young woman who had been riding on a bicycle with a companion.
Police say 21-year-old Kaitlyn Mangum-Gast, a resident of nearby Brandon, died after a vehicle slammed into the bicycle she was riding on the morning of March 4. The crash happened in the 4800 block of Chastain Drive, where officers were called shortly after the collision.
Authorities say Mangum-Gast was riding the bicycle with a 36-year-old man when a truck suddenly struck them. The impact was devastating. Mangum-Gast died at the scene before help could save her.
The man who was with her survived but was badly hurt. Emergency responders rushed him to a local hospital for treatment. Police have not publicly released details about the extent of his injuries.
Investigators quickly began piecing together what happened on that road. Early findings suggested the crash was no ordinary accident. Detectives believe the driver deliberately left the roadway and struck the bicycle before speeding away from the scene.
The case took a major turn two days later. On Friday, police announced the arrest of Shannon Thomas in connection with the crash. Authorities say Thomas was driving a truck when the collision occurred.
Thomas now faces serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and leaving the scene of a crash. Police say his vehicle has been seized and will be examined as evidence as investigators continue to work the case.
The investigation remains active as detectives gather more information about what led up to the deadly encounter on Chastain Drive. Police say they are still seeking anyone who may have seen the crash or captured surveillance footage from the area around the time it happened.
