Officers from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office have arrested Eloy Garcia, 31, of Douglas, in connection with the hit and run death of Willie Anthony Howard, of Douglas. The accident took place at 6:09 a.m. on Bowens Mill Road near the entrance to Walmart Supercenter on Thursday, February 13, 2025. WALB released Howard’s identity earlier on Saturday.
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, Howard was struck by red Dodge Dakota pickup traveling in the westbound lane. Howard was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center for treatment but did not survive the injuries he sustained in the accident. Garcia allegedly fled the scene without reporting the crash.
Officers from the sheriff’s office, Douglas Police Department, and troopers from the Georgia State Patrol investigated the incident. Officers worked tirelessly around the clock to solve this case. Shortly after 1 a.m. on February 15, 2025, deputies found Garcia, along with the Dakota, and took him into custody. Garcia is being held in the Coffee County Jail.
“In the first 48 hours of an investigation, we have the best chance of solving any case. This individual was captured as a result of our team’s efforts. They worked tirelessly, without rest, to give this case the attention it deserves in supporting GSP’s investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and our community as they grieve the loss of their loved one,” stated Sheriff Fred Cole.