UPDATE - Jan 13th 2020 - Linn County woman charged with hitting and killing cyclist takes plea deal

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A woman has been charged after a car vs. a pedestrian/bicycle accident at Marion Road and Barber Street in Central City.

The crash happened at 11:02 p.m. August 30 at 4 Barber Street in Central City.

Authorities say 59-year-old Melinda Lawrence from Central City was driving home when she saw a man, identified as 54-year-old Jeffrey Alan Scott, from Central City, and his bike near N. Marion Road and Barber Street.

Lawrence then followed Scott into the back parking lot of the Dollar General Store. She then drove towards Scott, hitting him and his bike that was pulling a cart.

After hitting Scott, Lawrence then left the scene with the cart that Scott was pulling pinned under her car. She didn't call for help or try to render aid before leaving.

A short ways from the scene a deputy saw Lawrence driving a car that was dragging something underneath it. The deputy then performed a traffic stop.

The deputy reported smelling alcoholic beverage coming from Lawrence's car and then asked her about the damage her car had.

After the deputy stopped Lawrence, witnesses called 9-1-1 to report finding an unresponsive man behind the Dollar General Store.

Lawrence was detained for investigation on the charge of operating while intoxicated and also for the fatal accident. However, during the detainment, she became unconscious and unresponsive and an ambulance was called for her.

While at the hospital, a blood sample determined Lawrence's blood alcohol level was 0.168.

An investigation found Lawrence was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and willfully drove her car at Scott and hit him while he was on or beside his bike, with the intent to commit an assault with a dangerous or deadly weapon.

The investigation also found Lawrence left the scene intentionally knowing Scott had been hit and injured.

Lawrence has been arrested and charged with Murder 1st, Homicide by Vehicle, and Leaving the Scene of a Fatality Accident.

Assisting at the scene were Linn County Deputies, Central City Ambulance Service, and the Central City Fire Department.

Crash Date: Aug 30th 11:02 pm