A Covington man was arrested earlier this week after hitting an acquaintance with his car and then leaving the scene.

Wednesday night, a man called 911 after his friend was struck by a car. The man told Covington Police Officer Brad Verzinskie that he and his 21-year-old friend had been walking on the side of County Road 213 when they saw a silver 2003 Ford Mustang drive past headed east.

The witness was walking on the eastbound side of the road and his friend was walking on the westbound shoulder. The car returned a few minutes later and hit the friend head on.

The witness said the driver, later identified as Derek Creel, hit the brakes when he struck the victim but never stopped. Creel then reportedly fled the scene.

The victim was severely injured and had to be airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center where he is listed in serious condition, said NCSO Lt. Bill Watterson.

Deputies received a detailed description of the car from the witness. Both the deputies and the witness were familiar with the suspect.

An investigator traveled to Creel's house, but he was reportedly not at home. Deputies tried back around 10 a.m. and arrested Creel.

Watterson said there was no evidence of alcohol or drug use by the suspect.

Creel was transported to the Newton County Detention Center and charged with failure to stop for an accident with injuries and leaving the scene of a crime.