A Boone man has been arrested and charged after allegedly causing severe injuries to two pedestrians in a hit-and-run incident near the Appalachian State University campus last week. Tristan Joseph Schreiber, 29, was taken into custody days after the collision, which occurred on West King Street.
Boone police reported that the incident took place around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23. Two individuals were walking along West King Street, a thoroughfare located less than a mile from the university campus, when a vehicle reportedly left the roadway and struck them. The vehicle then allegedly drove away from the scene, leaving the injured pedestrians behind.
Police described the injuries sustained by the pedestrians as "potentially life-threatening." Following the collision, investigators at the crash site reportedly discovered debris, which they believed to have originated from the vehicle involved in the incident. This evidence played a role in the subsequent investigation.
Officials later confirmed the ages of the two people who were struck, identifying them as 20 and 29 years old. The arrest warrant for Schreiber detailed the extensive nature of their injuries. One of the individuals sustained a broken right leg, a broken right arm, a broken pelvis, and internal organ damage, indicating a significant and complex recovery ahead.
The second pedestrian also suffered serious trauma, according to the arrest warrant. Their injuries included a broken jaw, a broken right arm, and a broken right leg. These details underscore the severe impact of the incident on both victims and the long-term medical care they will likely require.
Following his arrest, Schreiber was transported to the Watauga County jail. A magistrate initially denied him bond, a decision that typically reflects the seriousness of the charges and flight risk concerns. Schreiber's next court appearance in connection with these offenses is scheduled for November 25.
Boone police continue their work related to the incident, which has drawn attention to pedestrian safety in the area. The judicial process for Schreiber is now underway, with the community awaiting further developments in the case following his scheduled court appearance. The swift police action in identifying and apprehending a suspect highlights the department's commitment to addressing serious incidents in the local community.
