Smithfield resident struck by MV

The case surrounding the death of Tucker Lyon continues to move through the Johnston County court system under case number 26CR412058-500. According to court records, Selvin Adelso Vasquez-Perez has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle in connection with the incident that ultimately claimed Lyon's life. Court filings show that defense attorney Michael A. Frickey has entered an appearance on behalf of the defendant, and a district court order dated September 23 revoked the original bond, stating that release was not authorized at that time and that bond would be revisited on October 1. (portal has not been updated as of this writing)

For many Smithfield residents, this case is more than a court file. Tucker was a lifelong member of the community who was born in Smithfield in 1948, graduated from Smithfield High School, Peace College, and East Carolina University, taught school in South Carolina for thirteen years, and later worked as a political reporter for a daily newspaper in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Her obituary notes that she died shortly after midnight on September 19 at Wake Medical Center following an unexpected and tragic incident in downtown Smithfield.

According to the crash narrative, the collision occurred when a vehicle made a left turn from North Second Street onto U.S. 70 East. The report states that the pedestrian was crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk, traveling from South Second Street toward North Second Street, when the vehicle struck the pedestrian with the front driver's-side corner. The narrative further states that the pedestrian went underneath the front driver's-side tire and that the vehicle then reversed before coming to a stop in the roadway.

What makes the loss even more heartbreaking for those who knew Tucker is that walking was part of her daily routine. Friends and community members say she faithfully walked the same route through downtown each day. They also note that she had only recently recovered from injuries suffered in a previous fall that reportedly occurred because of uneven and deteriorated sidewalk conditions near the back block of the AIG school on Third Street. After recovering, she had returned to the daily walks that were such a regular part of her life.

Court records also show that federal immigration authorities filed a detainer with the Johnston County Detention Center, requesting notification prior to any release and asking that custody be maintained for up to 48 hours beyond a release date so federal authorities could assume custody if appropriate.

As the case proceeds, many residents continue to remember Tucker not as a case number, but as a familiar face in downtown Smithfield, someone who spent decades in education and journalism, and someone whose daily walks made her a recognizable part of the community she called home. The next major development is expected to come as the court continues proceedings in Johnston County case 26CR412058-500.

Court records reflect allegations and charges filed by law enforcement and prosecutors. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Thank you to the following for the PIR:

Chief of Police of Smithfield -PC Hedrick

Zack Alexander, ENP- Deputy Director - Support Services

That is all!

Carry on!

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