Hope Mills driver yelled ‘You better run’ before hitting teen, police say

A driver in Hope Mills screamed, “You better run,” as he sped toward a teen. The driver then hit the teen with his vehicle and fled the scene.

The mother of the teen told WRAL that her son got off the bus and was on his phone when he heard a car door close. She said her son told her he then heard Bharrat rev his engine before hitting him and a mailbox.

Hope Mills Police Department said the hit-and-run happened on Dove Drive near Hunting Ridge Road in Hope Mills just around 4:30 p.m. on October 13.

The teen was taken to a local hospital for treatment, where he recieved 9 stiches.

In a release, Hope Mills police said witness information and the Town of Hope Mills’ Flock cameras helped law enforcement identify and locate the driver.

Police said 72-year-old Albert Bharrat of Hope Mills was arrested at a local bar. 

Hope Mills police charged Bharrat with attempted first-degree murder, hit and run, communicating threats and assault with a deadly weapon.

Bharrat is in the Cumberland County Detention Center with no bond.

Bharrat’s next court date is scheduled for November 3 at the Cumberland County Courthouse.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Hope Mills Police Department or or anonymous tips can be submitted to Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers in partnership with Hope Mills Police Department by calling (910) 483-TIPS (8477) or through Crimestoppers by visiting  http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org.