Man Accused of Hitting Emily Bowman Indicted

Bowman, a former Kennesaw State University student and Woodstock High School graduate, was hospitalized in critical condition at Athens Regional Medical Center between Feb. 16 and March 8 after the incident.

They were walking on the grassy shoulder, investigators believe, when 22-year-old William Wilson Heaton's pickup left the road and then hit Bowman from behind as he returned the vehicle to the road. He left the area and abandoned the truck, police believe.

Heaton turned himself into the Clarke County Sheriff's Office and was charged with hit-and-run, driving under the influence, serious injury by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, and open container, according to Athens Clarke County Police.

He was granted a $50,000 bond and had to relinquish his driver’s license, abstain from drinking alcohol, remain under house arrest from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m., find a place in Athens-Clarke or Oconee counties to live before he can be fitted with an ankle monitor.

Bowman continues to suffer from injuries in the incident, and has been in and out of the hospital. She remains at Children's Health Care at Scottish Rite while Roswell-based nonprofit Sunshine on a Ranney Day renovates her home in Towne Lake.