Judge denies bond for suspect in fatal hit-and-run

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A judge denied bond for a man accused of striking and killing a pedestrian on Ogeechee Road, then fleeing the scene and talking about the incident to a mechanic.

Clyde Edward Johnson, 59, appeared in court where a Georgia State Patrol trooper testified about the investigation into the Sept. 29 death of Stuart Brady.

The trooper said Johnson took his damaged vehicle to a mechanic for repairs shortly after the incident. There, he admitted to the mechanic during a casual conversation that he struck a pedestrian on Georgia 25 and left the scene.

The trooper also said that Johnson admitted to being intoxicated while driving.

Witness statements detail alleged cover-up

The mechanic gave a statement to investigators in Nov. detailing repairs he made to Johnson’s silver 2003 Honda Accord.

According to the witness statement, Johnson said he “shouldn’t have been in the road” and he “kept going.” The statement also detailed damage to the front bumper and quarter panels, and that tape was placed on the silver car around the headlight.

A second witness, who was the front seat passenger in Johnson’s vehicle, gave a statement in March. Grant said Johnson hit and drove past the victim on Georgia 25, did not stop to see if he was okay and did not want to believe he had hit someone at the time.

Investigators used flock camera footage to corroborate the witness statements.

The cameras showed Johnson’s silver Honda Accord on Georgia 25 at approximately the time of the hit-and-run. The collision was reported to authorities at approximately 2:01 a.m.

Defense questions camera evidence

During cross-examination, the defense questioned the trooper about the flock camera evidence and whether other vehicles passed the area around the time of the incident. The trooper said he did not know whether other vehicles were noted passing the camera around 2:01 a.m.

The defense also noted that no cameras show the actual strike and questioned whether there was evidence Brady was upright or alive when Johnson’s vehicle allegedly struck him.

The trooper said there was nothing in the witness statements or investigation indicating Brady was upright at the time.

Second driver called 911

The trooper said that when he arrived at the scene, Brady’s body was in the left lane going southbound on Georgia 25. A driver had pulled over to the side and told the officer he saw something in the road, hit it and later discovered it was a person.

That driver called 911 and was released after investigators determined he was not the initial strike.

Investigators found broken headlight glass and plastic parts in the roadway. The roadway was dark and unlighted at the time of the crash, and conditions were dark and rainy.

Brady’s father, Tom Brady, provided investigators with information identifying Johnson as a potential suspect after learning from the mechanic about the repairs and Johnson’s statements.

Assistant District Attorney cites criminal history, risk to community

Johnson is a convicted felon with past parole violations, a 2010 firearm possession charge and a 2000 arson in the first degree conviction. He also has a hold out of Richmond Hill.

The defense requested bond, noting Johnson has an amputated foot that may require further amputations and asked for release with an ankle monitor or house arrest for medical treatment.

The prosecution argued Johnson is a risk to the community and a potential flight risk, citing the witness statements about him bragging about hitting someone and the alleged tampering with evidence. The victim’s family opposed bond.

The judge denied bond, saying the allegations show disregard for human life. The case was bound over to superior court.