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Terrell man arrested in Forney hit-and-run
By Tricia Scruggs: reporter@terrelltribune.com
After searching for less than a week, Forney Police yesterday arrested the driver of a vehicle they say intentionally ran over a teenager.
Johnny Borrago, 19, of Dallas, was visiting family in Forney on Dec. 30 and was outside of an uncle’s residence around 9:20 p.m. in the 300 block of Hillside Drive, playing with a remote controlled car, when a white, Chevrolet pickup ran over the toy.
According to a statement released by the Forney Police Department, the driver of the truck, later identified as Gregory Chase Chappell, 19, of Terrell, turned the vehicle around on the dead-end street and revved the engine before striking Borrago who had briefly protested the destruction of his property.
Investigators say Chappell did not stop to render aid and drove away from the scene, leaving Borrago injured and lying in the roadway. He was transported to Baylor Hospital in Dallas where he was listed in critical condition.
Forney PD had released a description of the vehicle Chappell was driving and also solicited information on a white, Ford Mustang with two blue racing stripes, running from front to back, which also was of interest.
A community member contacted Borrago’s aunt and uncle last weekend with information about the crime, which led to Chappell’s arrest. Officers apprehended him at approximately 3 p.m. Monday at his home in Terrell in 8600 block of Cleaver Lane.
“We appreciate the tips from the public and the efforts of our officers working with the public to apprehend the subject,” said Forney PoliceChief Ricky Barnes. “We have now filed the case with the District Attorney’s Office.”
Borrago’s uncle, J.R. Saldivar, said the teen was released last night from the hospital and though he has to wear a back brace is glad he is able to move around a bit.
“He’s doing better, and he’s feeling better because he’s able to get up and that’s what he really wanted,” Saldivar said.
He said while pleased that an arrest has been made, some family members wanted what they thought would be a more serious charge than aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
“To start with, he’s caught so that’s good,” Saldivar said. “I was very glad actually and I want to thank the [citizen] who gave us the lead. I’m just glad that someone stood up and did something about it.
Johnny Borrago, 19, of Dallas, was visiting family in Forney on Dec. 30 and was outside of an uncle’s residence around 9:20 p.m. in the 300 block of Hillside Drive, playing with a remote controlled car, when a white, Chevrolet pickup ran over the toy.
According to a statement released by the Forney Police Department, the driver of the truck, later identified as Gregory Chase Chappell, 19, of Terrell, turned the vehicle around on the dead-end street and revved the engine before striking Borrago who had briefly protested the destruction of his property.
Investigators say Chappell did not stop to render aid and drove away from the scene, leaving Borrago injured and lying in the roadway. He was transported to Baylor Hospital in Dallas where he was listed in critical condition.
Forney PD had released a description of the vehicle Chappell was driving and also solicited information on a white, Ford Mustang with two blue racing stripes, running from front to back, which also was of interest.
A community member contacted Borrago’s aunt and uncle last weekend with information about the crime, which led to Chappell’s arrest. Officers apprehended him at approximately 3 p.m. Monday at his home in Terrell in 8600 block of Cleaver Lane.
“We appreciate the tips from the public and the efforts of our officers working with the public to apprehend the subject,” said Forney PoliceChief Ricky Barnes. “We have now filed the case with the District Attorney’s Office.”
Borrago’s uncle, J.R. Saldivar, said the teen was released last night from the hospital and though he has to wear a back brace is glad he is able to move around a bit.
“He’s doing better, and he’s feeling better because he’s able to get up and that’s what he really wanted,” Saldivar said.
He said while pleased that an arrest has been made, some family members wanted what they thought would be a more serious charge than aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
“To start with, he’s caught so that’s good,” Saldivar said. “I was very glad actually and I want to thank the [citizen] who gave us the lead. I’m just glad that someone stood up and did something about it.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of terrelltribune.com.
AnotherTigerFan wrote on Jan 6, 2009 4:12 PM:
" It's important that people like this begin to realize we will not simply lie down and take abhorrent criminal behavior any more in Terrell Texas. Keep up the fabulous work and report things that are out of the ordinary, even if you think you are being overly cautious. It takes a village! "
college student wrote on Jan 6, 2009 8:46 PM:
" I am so so glad that the caught this monster. When I read the first article I just felt so bad about what happened to that innocent boy. Im glad to see the citizens of Terrell are lending a helping hand to TPS to clean up our city. Great job! "
wow101 wrote on Jan 8, 2009 1:29 PM:
" Maybe he was a good kid hanging with the wrong car. YOU THINK! "
Nurse wrote on Jan 10, 2009 9:48 AM:
" This just amazes me! It's hard to believe that a human being could actually "run" someone down with a vehicle. I wonder if at any point did he think that it was a bad idea? "
This is My Town wrote on Jan 11, 2009 7:38 AM:
" To Another TigerFan - I'm sorry, but it does not take a village, it actually starts with an individual, then another, & so on. I guess everyone is acting on the quote from a movie "I'm mad as hell & I'm not going to take it anymore!!!" I'm proud of our citizens & Forney's for not having a blind eye & reporting all! YOU ALL ROCK!!!!! "
Ironman wrote on Jan 6, 2009 3:39 PM: