Following a fatal pedestrian hit and run accident earlier this month, a Claremont convenience store clerk has been criminally charged for selling alcohol to an intoxicated person.
On Monday, April 17, 2023, ALE was contacted to assist Claremont Police Department and North Carolina State Highway Patrol (SHP) with a pedestrian death investigation. The victim was struck by a motor vehicle in Claremont and subsequently died from his injuries. Based on evidence at the scene, law enforcement believed the victim was intoxicated at the time of his death and had purchased alcohol in the town of Claremont.
Through the course of the ALE investigation, special agents determined the victim purchased three 12 packs of 355 milliliter cans of malt beverages, on three separate occasions within a twelve-hour period. On all three occasions, the victim purchased alcohol from Market Basket 27, located at 3262 East Main Street, Claremont, NC. It was determined, Market Basket 27 sold malt beverages to the victim who was intoxicated at the time.
The clerk, Dorothy Ann Sparks, 47, of Claremont, was cited for selling alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person.
“ALE special agents work closely with the State Highway Patrol and often investigate circumstances of vehicle collisions resulting in personal injury and/or death when alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision.” said Israel Morrow, Assistant Director of ALE.
ALE special agents will submit a report to the ABC Commission documenting the investigative findings. The ABC Commission may choose to sanction Market Basket 27 through a fine, suspension, or revocation of the business’ ABC permits.
This is an ongoing investigation.
About ALE:
ALE’s 111 specially trained agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action throughout North Carolina. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control, tobacco, state lottery and gambling laws.
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