Year-long investigation into fatal hit and run leads to Columbus man’s arrest

A year-long investigation has led to the arrest of an individual believed to be involved in a hit and run crash that killed a Lumpkin, Georgia, man.

Columbus police arrested Eddie Riggins, 36, Friday, after looking for him for about a year, according to a release from the Columbus Police Department.

The hit and run occurred on Jan. 12, 2019, at the intersection of Victory Drive and Ticknor Drive just before midnight.

Laantoneus Moses, 54, died of multiple system organ failure and blunt force trauma, according to his death report. Riggins fled the scene the night of the incident and had not been sighted until a video of him fleeing the scene was made available to the public in 2020, according to the release.

Once people saw the video, police got tips about his whereabouts and information on the incident. A search warrant was served at Riggins’ residence to search both his car and home.

Columbus police gathered enough evidence to arrest Riggins on multiple charges, according to the release, including:

• First degree homicide by vehicle.

• Duty to report accident.

• Following too closely.

• Driving with a suspended license.

• No proof of insurance.

• Duty to report an accident involving a death (leaving the scene).

Higgins’ Recorder’s Court hearing for his charges will be at 8 a.m. Feb. 25.