Suspect in viral hit and run video makes first court appearance

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The woman charged for intentionally hitting another woman with her car will be going back to jail. Courtnay Lawrence made her first court appearance this afternoon.

Lawrence is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, felony hit and run and driving without a license. She was arrested Tuesday night.

Lawrence was initially given a $25,000 unsecured bond. In court Wednesday, the District Attorney’s office asked the judge to give Lawrence at least a $25,000 secured bond.

The DA’s office says Lawrence has quite a lengthy criminal history. They also say that since the hit and run was caught on video, it is clear that Lawrence is the one who was driving the car.

Lawrence says she has four children and nobody else to care for them.

“The reason why I didn’t get it secured is because I have a one-month old and I breastfeed,” Lawrence said. “The father of my children is in jail, so I’m the only one that was with my kids. That’s the reason why she gave me the $25,000 unsecured bond, because I don’t have anyone else to be with my kids.”

The judge gave Lawrence a $40,000 secured bond. She will be held at the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office until she posts bond.

Lawrence’s next court date is scheduled for February 28.