Carolina Beach officer commended for actions before and after fatal hit & run

CAROLINA BEACH, NC, (WWAY) — A Carolina Beach police officer was awarded for his involvement in a fatal hit and run last year.

John Colville was hit and killed by a drunk driver on Carolina Beach Road on Nov. 12, 2012. Anthony Thompson recently plead guilty to 2nd degree murder and was sentenced to a minimum of 19 years in prison.

Lt. Chris Spivey arrested Thompson in the past for several DWI's. District Attorney Ben David wrote a letter of commendation crediting Lt. Spivey for being crucial in tracking Thompson's moves prior to the crash.

In a pubic ceremony Tuesday night, the Wilmington Rotary Club gave Lt. Spivey the "Service Above Self" award.