Man arrested, charged with attempted murder in bicyclist hit-and-run

ATLANTA — A judge denied bond to a man police said intentionally hit a bicyclist with an SUV.

Nineteen-year-old Joseph Alan Lewis was arrested by Atlanta police officers at 1:30 a.m Wednesday.

Police said Lewis was driving a red Dodge Nitro that intentionally chased Greg Germani on his bicycle on Flagler Avenue and ran him over, dragging him nearly 50 feet on June 9.

Lewis' girlfriend, 22-year-old Shanelle Woodard, was also arrested Wednesday. Investigators said they have video evidence that showed Woodard tampering with evidence connected to the investigation.

Woodard, a college student at Agnes Scott, not only wanted a bond but wanted to plead for a signature bond. She was also denied bond.

“He’s 19-years-of age. He’s been charged with criminal attempt to commit murder serious injury by vehicle and several other charges," Lt. Rod Woody said.

Woody, along with detectives Robert Jackson and Zack Kramer, who have been working the case, said they recovered the Dodge Nitro less than a mile from the attack thanks to Crime stoppers tips.
 
"We did collect evidence at the scene that we were able to connect to the vehicle, absolutely connect to the vehicle," Woody said.
 
That evidence gave them enough probable cause to get warrants for Lewis' arrest. He is charged with attempted murder, serious injury by vehicle and several other charges. 
 
"He is aware that we are actively looking for him, so we hope that he does come and turn himself in," Woody said on Wednesday, before officers tracked Lewis down.

Neighbor Lee Scott told Channel 2's Ryan Young, she is pleased that someone called in the tip to make the arrest.

"I don't care that he's 19-years-old. It's no excuse for his actions," Scott said.

Channel 2 reached out to Germani's girlfriend, Beth Anne Harrill, on Wednesday night and interviewed her by phone.
 
Harrill said Germani is making big improvements. He's still in the hospital but has started to speak a few words.

WSBTV