UPDATE: Suspect in Hit and Run Turns Himself In

A Lovettsville man turned himself over to authorities this afternoon for his involvement in a hit and run and larceny at a Western Loudoun Convenience Store. The suspect apparently turned himself in after a citizen received an e-mail alert from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office regarding the incident.

Jeffrey Michael Bellman, 20, was charged with felony hit and run, misdemeanor hit and run, larceny, and underage possession of alcohol. Bellman remains held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on a $10,000 bond.

The victim was airlifted to INOVA Fairfax Hospital for a head injury. He was released early Tuesday morning.

The Loudoun Sheriff's Office used the Loudoun Alert System to notify county residents and business owners of the incident on Monday night. The alert system allows residents to receive instant notification of including Missing and Endangered Persons, Road Closures, Wanted Subjects, and Press Releases covering general news and information.

"We think the system is of great value to county residents because whenever there's a major incident it is important they receive the information quickly and accurately," said Sheriff Steve Simpson. "People having information can make a difference," he added.

The Alert System is free and allows those who sign up to receive the latest news affecting the county. The information can be sent to their e-mail and cell phones or pagers that receive text messaging. Residents may register by logging onto the county Web site at www.loudoun.gov/ and clicking on Alert Loudoun System. The alert system can also be accessed at the Sheriff's Office Web site at www.loudoun.gov/sheriff. The service is available to anyone with an e-mail account.