9-year-old loses leg in Wilmington crash; driver charged with DWI and hit-and-run

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A 9-year-old lost a leg after a crash involving an allegedly impaired driver in Wilmington on Saturday, according to court documents.

Police arrested 51-year-old Theodore Gause in connection with the crash.

According to court records, Gause is accused of driving while impaired when he crashed his vehicle.

He is charged with felony serious injury by vehicle. Court documents state the child suffered an amputated leg as a result of the crash.

Gause also faces charges of felony hit and run causing serious injury or death, misdemeanor driving with a revoked license, and four additional misdemeanors.

Records show Gause has prior charges, including driving with a revoked license and hit and run, and he was previously named a habitual felon in 2004.

He is being held without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.