Aunt: Hit-and-Run Suspect 'Less Than Human'


Posted: Today at 1:02 p.m.
Updated: 8 minutes ago

Four Oaks, N.C. — Police said a unlicensed driver was drunk and operating a stolen car when he struck and critically injured a 7-year-old boy in Johnston County Saturday evening.

The driver, Pollo Hernandez Rodriquez, appeared before a judge Monday, while doctors at Duke University Hospital declared Marcus Lassiter, 7, brain dead.

Rodriquez faces charges of felony hit and run, driving while impaired, driving without a license, driving a stolen car and causing serious injury with a motor vehicle.

"I think he was less than a human," Marcus' aunt, Mary Ann Cooley, said. "I think he should get the maximum punishment."

Through an interpreter, the judge and an assistant district attorney spent explained the charges to Rodriquez. The judge kept the defendant's bond at $1 million.

Relatives said Marcus’ leg was broken, and he had brain damage. He was not breathing on his own Monday and remained on life support as doctors continued to perform tests, said family members, who remained at Marcus' bedside.

If the boy dies, state troopers said they would bring more serious charges against Rodriquez. Authorities were working to determine his immigration status.

The arrest and charges against Rodriquez, though, has brought little comfort to the family grieving for Marcus, relatives said.

"He's just a very sweet little, happy boy, full of energy," Cooley said.

State troopers said Marcus was standing on the shoulder of Heath Road when he was struck. An adult had been watching Marcus and another young child play in the yard, his aunt said.

"He was on the edge of the yard, and the car came by going 60 in a 45, and the man was drunk," Cooley said. "And he hit him, and he got out of the car, looked at everybody and ran."

Police said they arrested Rodriquez after he tried to flee from the scene. Marcus was flown to Duke for treatment.

Residents told WRAL that the speed limit in the area is 45 mph, but motorists often drive much faster. A resident WRAL interviewed said he has seen Rodriquez speeding through the neighborhood before.

“I’ve seen him speeding through here. My guess is he's doing at least 60 mph, no less. That’s a little fast for all the houses around this development,â€