Winston-Salem Police Arrest Driver in Child Hit-and-Run

A 31-year-old suspect faces felony charges after an 11-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle on Sunday night.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Accidents

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing abstract emergency light beams across a dark, empty street, evoking the gravity of a local police investigation.
Fajardo Afmari Zelestino has been arrested and charged following a hit-and-run on Sunday that hospitalized 11-year-old Kylen Baldwin in Winston-Salem. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Police have arrested Fajardo Afmari Zelestino following a hit-and-run crash that left an 11-year-old boy, Kylen Baldwin, hospitalized. The incident occurred in the 1300 block of Vargrave Street.

Why it matters

The investigation highlights local authorities' efforts to address hit-and-run incidents involving serious injuries. Zelestino has since been released after posting bond.

Fajardo Afmari Zelestino faces charges of felony hit and run, misdemeanor driving with a revoked license, and failure to report an accident. She posted a $25,000 bond following her first appearance at the Forsyth County Courthouse.

The players

Fajardo Afmari Zelestino

She is the 31-year-old driver identified by police as the individual involved in the hit-and-run incident.

Kylen Baldwin

He is the 11-year-old boy who was struck by a vehicle and is currently recovering in a hospital.

The details

The crash took place at 8:15 p.m. when the victim was struck while in the area of Vargrave and Mock streets. Police identified the suspect as the driver involved in the incident.

Timeline

  1. The crash occurred at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

  2. Police arrested the suspect on Monday, October 19, 2026.

  3. Zelestino is scheduled to return to court on November 5, 2026.

Legal Context

The charges against Zelestino follow North Carolina felony hit and run statutes regarding accidents resulting in serious injury. Prosecution of such cases in this jurisdiction relies on established penal codes for failure to remain at the scene.

Local residents in the Vargrave Street area are advised to remain alert to traffic conditions following this incident. The ongoing judicial process may involve further public updates as the court case proceeds.

The takeaway

Drivers are reminded of their legal obligation to remain at the scene of any accident involving injuries. Reporting an incident immediately is a critical requirement under local law to ensure emergency aid reaches victims quickly.

What happens next

Zelestino is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings on November 5, 2026.

Further reading

For more information on road safety and local incident reporting, visit Winston-Salem Accidents.