Byron Reedy, the suspect in the fatal hit-and-run that killed a local bicyclist known as the “The Flag Man,” appeared in court Wednesday afternoon.
The 38-year-old Savannah man was arrested and charged with two counts of first degree homicide by vehicle nearly a year after the hit-and-run that killed Larry Haywood. The Savannah Police Department also charged Reedy with serious injury by vehicle, no proof of insurance, no tag, driving while license suspended, and affixing a plate to conceal or misrepresent identity.
When Reedy entered into the courtroom of Chatham County Superior Court Judge Christopher Middleton on Wednesday to be arraigned, his attorney, Rebekah Whitley, stated that Reedy didn’t feel “comfortable” moving forward with the court proceedings.
She asked for a continuance.
Judge Middleton asked that Whitley provide more reasoning and that she convince him to push his arraignment date back. She requested a sidebar with the judge and the state’s prosecutor.
When they returned, Judge Middleton asked if there was any more room on the Oct. 7 docket for Reedy to be arraigned. Reedy was then taken back into the sheriff's deputies' custody to be held at the Chatham County Detention Center.
Wednesday’s court proceedings stem from the death of Haywood on April 9, 2025. Court documents allege that Reedy was driving a Dodge Ram truck on Skidaway Road and E. 49th Street when he veered off the roadway and onto the shoulder and center median area, striking Haywood. Reedy is said to have left the scene and failed to help Haywood, who was unable to call for help himself.
Haywood was known as the "Flag Man" because he was often seen riding around Savannah on his bicycle flying a massive American flag.
Ansley Franco is a reporter with the Savannah Morning News, covering public safety and general assignments. You can reach her at AFranco@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Suspect in "Flag Man" death appears in Savannah court
