Suspect held on $31 million bond in hit-and-run that severely injured child

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — A suspect accused of a hit-and-run that seriously injured a 9-year-old child appeared in court Monday, where a judge set bond at $31 million.

Theodore Gause appeared via Zoom in New Hanover County court following the crash, which happened Saturday morning near the city’s Cargo District.

Gause was initially facing a requested bond of $2 million. However, the judge significantly increased that amount after considering Gause’s criminal history, including his status as a habitual felon.

Police say Gause was stopped at an intersection near 608 South 15th Street before accelerating at a high rate of speed and striking the child in a nearby parking lot at 608 South 15th Street.

The child suffered severe injuries, including a severed leg, a compromised kidney, a fractured tailbone and a cut to the forehead.

Amy White with the District Attorney’s Office told the court that Gause poses a significant public safety risk. Prosecutors said Gause has a history that includes three prior hit-and-run incidents in the early 2000s, multiple failures to appear in court, and time served in prison before his release in 2024.

Gause is scheduled to appear in court again on May 7 at 9 a.m. at the New Hanover County Courthouse.