Fayetteville, North Carolina, law enforcement officers arrested a man Saturday after a hit-and-run crash at a major intersection cost a young motorcyclist his life. The suspect, 43-year-old Roberto Coton Jr. of Cameron, now sits in the Cumberland County Detention Center on serious charges tied to the deadly Friday night collision.
Police say the crash happened at about 10:17 p.m. Friday at Ramsey Street and Fernwood Drive. According to the investigation, Coton was behind the wheel of a 2013 Nissan Altima attempting to turn left from Ramsey onto Fernwood when he struck a 2025 Honda CB750 that was proceeding through the intersection on a green light.
The motorcycle was ridden by 25-year-old Ean Alexander Gaskins of Fayetteville. The force of the collision threw Gaskins from his bike, and despite rapid response by emergency crews he was pronounced dead at the scene. The sudden loss of the young rider sent shock through neighbors and first responders alike.
Instead of stopping after the impact, Coton fled. Police located the Nissan abandoned about a quarter mile from the crash scene. Through witness statements and physical evidence, officers were able to identify Coton as the driver. He was arrested without reported incident and charged with death by motor vehicle, felony hit and run, driving under the influence, failure to yield, and a string of vehicle violations including lack of insurance and expired tags.
Bond was set at $675,000, and Coton remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities said that evidence to this point indicates impairment and reckless choices leading up to the tragedy, though the full sequence of events is still being pieced together.
Friends and family of Gaskins have struggled with grief and anger, calling for accountability and change. They remember him as dedicated, passionate about riding, and someone who had more life left to live. The community has rallied around his loved ones, offering support and demanding answers about how a Friday night ride ended in such a heartbreaking way.
Police continue to seek information from anyone who saw the crash or the Nissan after it fled. The hope is that more pieces of the puzzle will help clarify what happened and prevent future tragedies in Fayetteville’s bustling streets.
