Richard Alan Norris II, a 29 year old Lexington County man, pled guilty today to Hit and Run resulting in Great Bodily Injury which occurred while texting and driving. Norris was sentenced to five (5) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections by Circuit Court Judge DeAndrea G. Benjamin.

Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard commented that “we are thankful to the dedicated members of the South Carolina Highway Patrol who are tasked with having to respond to traffic collisions where citizens suffer horrible injuries.  This should be a reminder that texting while driving is a hazard to our roadways.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Todd Wagoner for the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

On the early afternoon of December 26, 2016, Alexi Ramazon (age 20) and Kanya Gidion (age 19) were walking on a sidewalk adjacent to St. Andrews Road near Jamil Road when a vehicle ran onto the sidewalk and struck the two pedestrians.  The vehicle, driven by Richard A. Norris II, fled the scene after striking the pedestrians.

Both pedestrians with transported to a local hospital.  Gidion suffered significant injuries, including skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury.  The incident has left Mr. Gidion partially handicapped, as he lost much of the use of his dominant arm and hand. 

The South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the scene and conducted the investigation of this case. Their investigation led to the identity of Richard Alan Norris II as the person driving the 2003 Mercedes at the time of the incident.  After being advised of his rights, Norris admitted to his involvement in the collision, telling officers that he was texting while driving.  

Norris has prior convictions for shoplifting, burglary 2nd degree, and possession of a controlled substance.