Suspect in hit-and-run that injured child appears in court on unrelated charge

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — The suspect in a hit-and-run crash that resulted in a child losing a leg appeared in court Monday on an unrelated charge.

Theodore Gause is being held on a $30 million bond after he allegedly struck a 9-year-old child on April 18 near Wilmington’s Cargo District. He faces charges related to felony hit-and-run and was previously named a habitual felon in 2004.

Gause now also faces a new charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office said that during a search of Gause’s home and vehicle following the hit-and-run, deputies found a used needle and a glass pipe containing a controlled substance.

He is being held on an additional $1,000 secured bond tied to the new charge. His next court hearing is scheduled for May 20.