Couple Charged in Memorial Day Hit-and-Run Boating Accident

A couple is facing charges in a hit-and-run boating accident that happened on Lake Hartwell over Memorial Day weekend.

On Monday, DNR Law Enforcement Officer Craig Fulghum said they charged the couple Saturday.

“I received multiple tips and one of those was an anonymous caller and we were able to track down the blue and white boat,” Fulghum said. “Over the past few weeks I was able to tie in some loose ends and got a lot of additional information. And this past Saturday, I was able to do an investigation and talk to a gentleman. And both the male and female involved in the incident were cooperative.”

The pair are identified as John Christian of Martin and Barbara Clements of Gainesville.  Clements was driving the boat at the time of the accident.

Fulghum said the hit and run happened Sunday, May 26 at a time when the lake was particularly crowded.

“We had a hit and run Sunday around Poplar Springs,” he said at the time. “A family on a pontoon was hit in the front by a pleasure boat, and they (pleasure boat) continued on their course without stopping. The only information we have is that it was blue and white pleasure craft, like a ski boat. There was a blond, female driving the boat with a male passenger.”

The family on the pontoon, which included small children, was not injured.  At the time, Fulghum said officers had little to go on – only that it was blue and white pleasure boat driven by a female with blonde hair.

He said, however, that thanks to help from the WNEG News, so many tips came in they were able to find the suspects and make an arrest.

“A big thanks to WNEG and other social media sites. I was very impressed with the number of people who took ownership in this hit and run. It lets people know that when you do things on the lake and try to get away with it, there are a lot of people on the lake watching. So, whether you do try to run or not, eventually you will have to face the charges,” Fulghum said.

Clements was charged with Failure to Render Assistance at a Boating Accident, Failure to Report a Boating Accident, and Reckless Operation of a Vessel.

Christian was charged with Failure to Report a Boating Accident and Failure to Render Aid at a Boating Accident.

A court date in Franklin County is set for August.