News Summary
Codan Edward Garrison, a 37-year-old man from Tallahassee, has been charged with felony hit-and-run after his vehicle struck and killed 63-year-old Theresa Stitley while she was biking. The incident, which occurred on Blountstown Highway, has raised community concerns about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers involved in accidents. Garrison initially denied involvement but later admitted to hitting what he thought was a deer. He was apprehended following an attempt to evade law enforcement during an arrest warrant execution.
Tallahassee Man Charged in Deadly Hit-and-Run Incident That Claimed Bicyclist’s Life
A Tallahassee man has been charged with a felony following a hit-and-run incident that led to the death of a local bicyclist. Codan Edward Garrison, 37, faces charges of “hit and run” and “failing to remain at crash involving death” in connection with the tragic event that occurred on June 8, where 63-year-old Theresa Stitley lost her life on Blountstown Highway (S.R. 20).
Emergency responders pronounced Stitley dead at the scene, highlighting the severity of the collision involving her bicycle. An immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident led to the collection of critical evidence, including vehicle debris and surveillance footage from nearby retail stores. This footage revealed a white SUV, suspected to belong to Garrison, traveling eastbound shortly after the crash, showing significant damage to the right front of the vehicle.
Two days after the incident, on June 10, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) received an anonymous tip, directing them to Tommy’s Auto Services, where the suspected vehicle was reported to be located. Upon inspection, FHP officers discovered a white GMC Yukon XL at the business, exhibiting damage consistent with the reported collision. The owner of the auto service identified Garrison as both the owner of the vehicle and an employee at the establishment.
Initially, Garrison provided an alibi, claiming he was stuck in a mud hole on Joe Thomas Road at the time of the accident and denied being present on Highway 20. However, he later changed his story, admitting that he was driving east on Blountstown Highway and struck what he initially believed to be a deer. Garrison attempted to justify his decision to flee the scene by stating that he had previously encountered similar situations, claiming he had hit “like 15” deer in his life.
On July 18, Garrison’s legal troubles escalated when he attempted to evade arrest as troopers approached his residence to execute a warrant. During the ensuing chase, law enforcement discovered that Garrison’s vehicle had an expired tag not assigned to the vehicle, further complicating his legal situation. He was eventually apprehended without incident and was taken to the Leon County jail.
The investigation into the hit-and-run incident involved collaboration from multiple agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol, Leon County EMS, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Background of the Incident
The deadly hit-and-run incident has raised concerns in the Tallahassee community regarding road safety and the treatment of vulnerable road users, such as bicyclists. Theresa Stitley, the victim, was well-known in the area, and her tragic death has prompted discussions about the laws surrounding hit-and-run offenses, as well as the responsibilities drivers have to remain at the scene of all accidents, particularly those resulting in injury or death.
Garrison’s arrest underscores the efforts of law enforcement agencies to hold drivers accountable for their actions on the road. The charges against him carry serious penalties, and the ongoing investigation seeks to ensure justice for Theresa Stitley and her family.
The case continues to unfold as Garrison awaits legal proceedings while the community grapples with the implications of this tragic event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cultural Weekend Events in Tallahassee
Wildfires in Canada Impact U.S. Air Quality
Leon County Delays Comprehensive Plan Updates Until 2026
TSMC Reports Record Revenue Driven by AI Demand
Central Florida Faces Extreme Heat Wave and Air Quality Issues
Pentagon Halts Weapons Shipments to Ukraine Amid Concerns
Massive Earthquake Strikes California, Causing Widespread Damage
DirecTV Customers Face Blackout: Disney Channels Missing
Tallahassee Man Convicted of Vehicular Homicide
Florida State University Makes Waves at Under Armour Future 50 Event
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Man Charged in Fatal Highway 20 Hit-and-Run
- FHP Searching for Deadly Hit-and-Run Driver
- FHP Fatal Hit-and-Run on Highway 20 Under Investigation
- Tallahassee Father Killed in Hit-and-Run
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-Run
- Google News: Hit-and-Run Tallahassee
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
