Bond set at $50K for Athens hit-and-run suspect

ATHENS, Ga. — After a weeks-long search for a hit-and-run driver, a man is being held in connection to a crash that left a teen critically injured.

William Heaton Jr. faces six charges for the Feb. 16 crash. Police said 19-year-old Emily Bowman was walking in a grassy area off Oak Street in Athens when she was struck from behind. She's still in a coma, but off a respirator.

A Channel 2 Action News crew was at the Athens-Clarke County Jail when Heaton entered the public entrance with his parents Wednesday.  He has been charged with felony hit-and-run, DUI, serious injury by a motor vehicle, failure to maintain a lane, open container and reckless driving. 

On Thursday morning, a judge set Heaton's bond at $50,000. He must wear an ankle monitor while out of jail on bond.

"He is very, very remorseful and is desperately praying for Emily," his attorney, Anthony Perrotta, said.

Perotta said Heaton's parents spent more than four hours talking to investigators Tuesday before the arrest was made.

"Really, quite frankly, it would've been an uphill battle until his mother and father gave their statements," he said.

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WSBTV