Hit-and-Run Injures One

Suspect in Custody

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY – A Grapeland woman is in custody after she struck a motorcyclist with her vehicle and fled the scene.

Sonia Shepard Williams, 48, was taken into custody for her alleged actions on Tuesday, Dec. 3. She was charged with failure to stop and render aid, resulting in bodily injury.  

According to an affidavit of arrest, “Sonia Williams passed when unsafe, striking (the victim) on his motorcycle, causing bodily injury. Williams then left the scene of the crash (and) failed to stop, render aid or call in the crash. (Trinity County) Sheriff Woody Wallace stopped Williams north of Trinity.”

In the affidavit, Department of Public Safety Trooper John Riggins reported he met with Trinity County deputies to take custody of Williams and transport her back into Houston County, where the crime occurred.  

She was booked into the Houston County Jail on one count of failing to stop and render aid, resulting in bodily injury. Under Texas law, this offense may be considered a third degree felony.

According to Section 12.34 of the Texas Penal Code, “An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 10 years or less than two years. In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.”   

Williams is currently held at the Houston County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].