UNION, Union County, S.C., Sept. 18, 2026 — A man is facing charges after a moped rider died in a hit-and-run crash Thursday, September 17, on Arthur Boulevard in Union, according to authorities.
The Union Public Safety Department said officers responded after dispatchers received calls about an unconscious man lying in the road in the 500 block of Arthur Boulevard, along with reports that a vehicle involved had left the scene. Bystanders and Union City Fire Department personnel began CPR before Union County EMS crews arrived and took over care, authorities said.
The Union County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 49-year-old Kelly Thomason, who authorities said was riding a moped at the time of the crash. He died at the scene from his injuries, the coroner's office said.
Investigators with the Union County Sheriff's Office reportedly used Flock license-plate reader cameras to trace the vehicle that fled, describing it as a 2004 white Dodge Ram 1500 with four doors. The Union Public Safety Department said officers later located the truck on Catherine Street, obtained a search warrant and interviewed multiple people before securing an arrest warrant.
Roger Marcus Robinson was arrested and charged with hit-and-run resulting in death, according to authorities. He was booked into the Union County Jail. The case remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
A Common Misconception About Hit-and-Run Crashes
Many people assume hit-and-run cases mostly involve pedestrians struck in crosswalks or parking lots. That is not the full picture. Riders on mopeds, motorcycles, and bicycles are frequently the ones left behind when a driver flees, in part because they are harder for a fleeing driver to see in a mirror and easier to leave without a damaged vehicle to explain.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in five cyclist injuries occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023. That figure points to a pattern that extends beyond pedestrians to anyone sharing the road on a smaller, lighter vehicle.
The tools used to solve these cases have also changed. License-plate reader networks, like the one credited in this investigation, now let departments track a fleeing vehicle's description and location well after the driver has left, even without a witness who caught the plate number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families are generally encouraged to request the official crash report from the investigating agency and stay in contact with the coroner's office or lead detective for updates. Keeping a written timeline of communications can help if questions come up later.
How are fatal crashes investigated?
Officers typically document the scene, interview witnesses, and gather physical or digital evidence, such as camera footage or vehicle data, before referring findings to prosecutors for possible charges.
How long do fatal-crash investigations take?
Timelines vary widely. Some arrests happen within days, as reported here, while others take weeks or months if evidence must be processed or additional witnesses located.
What role does impairment play in fatal crashes?
Impairment from alcohol or drugs is a factor in many fatal crashes nationally, though it is not confirmed in every case and should never be assumed without an official finding from investigators.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Union, SC
If you witness a hit-and-run, try to note the vehicle's color, make, and any part of the license plate, then call 911 right away so responders and officers can reach the scene quickly. Anyone injured should be seen by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor at first, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
If you were involved in a hit-and-run, whether as a driver, rider, or bystander, request a copy of the police report once it's available and follow up with the department if you learn new details, such as a partial plate number or a vehicle description. Community members with information are usually asked to contact the local public safety department or sheriff's office directly.
