Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-Iowan accused of fatal hit & run wreck in Ill.
Associated Press - December 31, 2009 10:04 AM ET
CARTHAGE, Ill. (AP) - An Iowa man is jailed on $125,000 bond on felony charges that accuse him of leaving the scene of a fatal wreck in western Illinois.
Authorities allege that 42-year-old Gary Mason of Argyle, Iowa, was driving with a revoked license Monday in the Hancock County town of Hamilton when the trailer his pickup truck was towing broke free.
Illinois State Police say the trailer then struck an oncoming vehicle, killing 6-year-old Emina Smajlovic as she rode in that car. Four other people were injured.
Investigators say witnesses reported that Mason drove by the damaged car, then left the scene.
Authorities say they found Mason in Lee County, Iowa.
Mason's public defender, Kam Miller, says his client is "very remorseful." Miller declined further comment.
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