KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Police are still searching for the boyfriend of a woman who was struck and killed by a truck while holding her 15-month-old son last week in Kings Mountain.
Investigators said that around 4 a.m. on July 21, 30-year-old Clarissa Ussery was in the middle of the northbound lane of North Cansler Street with her toddler, Kaidence Clemons, when they were hit by a truck driven by Danny Cook.
Police said Cook slammed on the brakes and swerved to avoid Ussery and her son but collided with them.
The truck came to rest in the southbound lane with Ussery’s body beneath it, police said.
Cook told police that a man was at the crash scene and yelled at Cook to back up his truck, which he did, while trying to avoid running back over Ussery.
Detectives believe that man was Ussery’s boyfriend, Eric Odems.
Cook then said that he saw the man pick up what he thought was a black book bag and place it beside Ussery, before running away from the scene.
Through the investigation, police determined that the man actually picked up the body of the toddler and placed the boy beside his mother before leaving the scene.
Detectives have yet to speak with Odems about what happened that night and the police department is still awaiting the toxicology report on Ussery.
If anyone knows where Odems is they are encouraged to call the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444.
Police said neither alcohol, speed or cellphone usage was a factor in the crash.
The incident was brought to the Cleveland County District Attorney's Office and it was determined that no charges will be filed against Cook.
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