Man Arrested In Forsyth For Fatal Hit And Run: Police

CUMMING, GA — After a man from Forsyth County hit a pedestrian, he left the scene, but was found days later during an investigation.

David Emory Castleberry, 36, of Cumming, was arrested May 31 for homicide by vehicle second felony, hit and run felony, habitual violator felony, removing or affixing a license plate to misrepresent misdemeanor, and no insurance misdemeanor.

At 3:48 a.m. on Sunday, May 26, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and fire department responded to the area of 1000 Dahlonega Highway in reference to a fatality hit and run involving a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, Jose D. Ramirez Labra, 27, of Cumming, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Deputies believe he was walking north on Dahlonega Highway near Pilgrim Mill Road

A damaged black and green Kawasaki ZX1000 motorcycle was located parked on the side of the roadway. The rider of the motorcycle left the scene, so deputies began investigating who the driver was immediately.

Deputies ran the tag on the motorcycle which came back belonging to a man from Buford. That man said he sold the bike months prior

Through the course of watching numerous videos of the area, interviewing people and tracking down the original owner of the Kawasaki, the Sheriff's Office was able to identify the driver as Castleberry.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office obtained several warrants for his arrest and started checking places in Forsyth County. The department also asked the United States Marshall’s Service to assist in locating him.

Then on May 31, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the Marshall’s Service checked locations in Dawson County and White County. While checking a residence in White County, deputies located Castleberry who fled briefly before being detained by a K-9.

Castleberry was arrested and taken to the Forsyth County Jail.