Good samaritan aids injured pedestrian: New details on Wilmington hit and run

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — WWAY is learning new details about an alleged hit and run in that we reported on Friday. 

Police say on June 25 at the 800 block of S 5th Ave., a woman who we now know as 68-year-old Bridget Penny was hit while walking in a crosswalk while she had the right of way. The driver then turned down Dawson St. in the wrong direction.  

36-year-old Donald Scott Pachilis was later charged with felony Hit-and-Run, One-Way Violation and Improper Turn. 

Penny told WWAY that the accident fractured her pelvis and severely damaged her lower spine. She said the driver also drove over her ankles. Moments after Penny was struck, former Air Force Medic Leonardo Andrades immediately stopped to help her. 

“That could be my daughter, my wife, my mom, you know? I would hope that if I was hit, anyone would stop and help me in the middle of the road as well,” Andrades said. “That’s how I was raised. To help your neighbor, help the people that are in your community. I didn’t really think about it, I just saw her in the middle of the road, so I immediately wanted to make sure that she was safe.” 

Penny was not able to go on camera for this story as she prepares for surgery. Doctors tell her with months of physical therapy, she will eventually be able to walk again.  

She said she is thankful for Leonardo for helping her and law enforcement for finding the alleged driver. 

Pachilis was released under a $15,000 secured bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 12th.