Driver Arrested After Fatal Johnston County Hit-and-Run Involving Power Line Worker

Selma,  North Carolina — October 30, 2025 — According to ABC 11, authorities in Johnston County have arrested a man accused of fleeing the scene of a deadly hit-and-run that claimed the life of a power line technician earlier this week.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, 44-year-old Ronald Thomas Mayo of Smithfield was taken into custody and charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death. He is currently being held at the Johnston County Detention Center.

The crash occurred on Live Oak Church Road near Carmil Drive. Investigators said utility crews were working on power lines in the area when the driver of a flatbed truck carrying a water tank ignored traffic control signals directing vehicles to stop for low-hanging wires.

The truck reportedly struck one of the suspended lines, pulling it down and causing a technician to fall. The worker, identified as 29-year-old James P. Rudzki of Wendell, died at the scene. The truck’s driver immediately left the area before law enforcement arrived.

Neighbor Charles Dodge said the emergency response was swift and extensive.

“The police and ambulance started showing up. Fire trucks showed up, and it went on for hours. We knew something serious had happened,” Dodge recalled.

He added that he was familiar with the type of vehicle involved.

“Those flatbed trucks are extremely heavy and tough to stop. If you don’t slow down in advance, you won’t have time,” Dodge explained.

Pike Electric, Rudzki’s employer, confirmed his death in a statement expressing condolences to his family, coworkers, and emergency responders.

“The incident in Selma is a tragic loss. Our hearts go out to the employee’s family, friends, and colleagues. We’ve begun a full investigation into the cause, and our Corporate Chaplains are available to support our employees during this difficult time,” the company said.

State troopers said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.