NORTH CAROLINA MAN SKIPS COURT APPEARANCE ON DUI & HIT&RUN CHARGES

Authorities are searching for a North Carolina man who skipped his arraignment this morning on felony driving under the influence and hit & run charges.

A bench warrant for the arrest of Martin M. Hernandez, 32, of Hendersonville, was issued this morning. Hernandez is accused of the causing the Aug. 26, 2006 wreck on I-26 that injured Regina N. Pennycuff, 33, of Cincinnati, OH. Hernandez was traveling east in the westbound lane about 2:30 a.m. when he sideswiped a vehicle driven by Kevin Pennycuff, husband of the victim. The Pennycuff’s car slammed into the median and overturned when it struck the cable barrier. Regina Pennycuff’s injuries included a shattered left shoulder blade and multiple fractures to her neck and back. Kevin Pennycuff and two small children in the car escaped serious injury. Hernandez was driving without headlights, according to the Highway Patrol’s witness statements.

Hernandez fled the wreck scene but he was stopped by a Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputy and charged with driving under the influence. He registered a .15 on a blood alcohol test.

Hernandez is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and he weighs about 130 pounds. His last known address was Ashemore Avenue in Hendersonville.

Anyone with information on Hernandez’s whereabouts is asked to contact their local police department or Spartanburg County CrimeStoppers at (864) 582-7463.