Pot smoking driver pleads not guilty in fatal pedestrian crash on J.R. Allen Parkway

A Columbus man accused of being under the influence of marijuana Tuesday before striking pedestrian Richard Lamb on J.R. Allen Parkway pleaded not guilty to a vehicle homicide charge Thursday morning in Recorder’s Court.

Justin Bolin, 35, also pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, abandonment of controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Represented by attorney William Kendrick, Bolin waived his hearing before Judge Julius Hunter. His bonds were set at $16,500 and the charges were bound over to Muscogee Superior Court.

Kendrick said waiving the hearing was in the best interest of Bolin, who must remain in the state if he makes bond.

“This case is early on,” the attorney said outside the courtroom. “We’re are going to have to continue to investigate.”

Kendrick noted the case wasn’t going to be solved at the initial hearing.

“There are facts and circumstances that have to be explored,” he said.

Lamb, 32, was struck about 12:20 a.m. Tuesday on J.R. Allen at Veterans Parkway. He was pronounced dead at 12:55 a.m. of blunt-force injuries at Piedmont Columbus Regional midtown campus, said Muscogee County Chief Deputy coroner Freeman Worley.

Bolin was under the influence of marijuana before the crash, police said. Officers said 4.5 grams of marijuana with a street value of $45 was found in the woodline beside the 1997 Jeep Wrangler driven by Bolin.

The crash in the westbound lane of J.R. Allen Parkway remains under investigation by the Columbus Police Department.