Man charged in hit-and-run that caused child to lose leg

Theodore Gause, 51, fled the scene after allegedly striking a 9-year-old on a bike in their own driveway

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's bicycle tire and pedal, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the devastating impact of a hit-and-run crash.The aftermath of a hit-and-run crash that left a child with life-altering injuries, exposing the urgent need for better road safety measures.Wilmington Today

A 51-year-old man has been arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run, felony serious injury by motor vehicle, and driving while impaired after allegedly striking a 9-year-old child sitting on a bike in their own driveway, causing the child to lose their leg in the crash. The suspect, Theodore Gause, reportedly fled the scene before witnesses found him, and police believe he was under the influence at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of hit-and-run crashes, especially those involving vulnerable road users like children. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the need for stronger enforcement and penalties to deter such reckless behavior on the roads.

The details

According to investigators, the crash occurred around 10 a.m. on Saturday on South 15th Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. Gause allegedly struck the 9-year-old child who was sitting on a bike in their own driveway, causing the child's leg to be severed from their body. Gause is said to have fled the scene before witnesses found him, and police believe he was under the influence at the time of the crash.

  • The crash occurred around 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Gause is expected to face a judge on Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Theodore Gause

A 51-year-old man who has been arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run, felony serious injury by motor vehicle, and driving while impaired in relation to the incident.

The 9-year-old child

The victim of the hit-and-run crash, who suffered the loss of their leg as a result of the incident.

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What’s next

Gause is expected to face a judge on Sunday, April 20, 2026, where the court will determine whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and penalties to deter reckless driving behavior and protect vulnerable road users, especially children, from the devastating consequences of hit-and-run crashes.