Pedestrian struck by town employee in low-speed collision

Published 12:44 pm Tuesday, July 29, 2025

COLUMBUS—On July 23, at 11:55 a.m., a traffic incident occurred at the intersection of E. Mills St. and Gibson St. when Town of Columbus employee Dewayne Elliot was involved in a collision when the vehicle he was driving struck a pedestrian, Joy Ann Conner, of Mill Spring. 

According to a statement from the Columbus Police Department, Elliot was driving a Town of Columbus vehicle and was attempting to make a left turn from Gibson St. onto E Mills St./NC Hwy 108 when the collision occurred. The impact was described as low-speed and low-impact, but nevertheless resulted in Conner being transported by ambulance to AdventHealth Polk where she was treated and later released.

As the incident falls under insurance review, the Town of Columbus has not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter. Further updates are expected. 

The safety of pedestrians remains a priority in the community, and local authorities emphasize the importance of caution at busy intersections.