Troopers said a driver hit a bicyclist on the highway on Tuesday evening, leaving the man dead in the middle of the road.

Investigators said around 7PM on Tuesday night, David Maready had been drinking when he took a 1999 BMW onto NC 11 in Kenansville. Troopers said Maready, who will be 36 on Sunday, was travelling 55 miles-per-hour when he hit James Vines, of Teachy, as the man rode his bike along the highway.

Troopers said Vines' bicycle ended up in the ditch, but the man was left dead on the highway when Maready fled the scene.

Troopers caught up with Maready later that night, charging him with DWI, driving while license revoked, felony hit and run, and felony death by motor vehicle.

Trooper D.M. Rich said alcohol is a suspected factor, but they are awaiting blood sample test data to return.