An ongoing collection of unsolved hit-and-run cases, with a focus on car/pedestrian incidents, from across the country since Jan. ‘010. If you know something about any of these incidents, or one that I’ve missed, do the right thing and call the police, even anonymously.
1714. Lincoln County, Wisc. July 17. Man on bicycle injured when struck by a dark colored Ford F150, early to mid 90’s model which fled the scene.
1715. Antioch, Cal. July 16. 40-year-old man injured when struck by a white Nissan Sentra or similar vehicle which fled the scene.
1716. Kingsford, Mich. July 15. Pedestrian injured when struck by a full-size pickup truck, possibly a maroon Chevrolet, which fled the scene.
1717. Detroit. July 18. Man in his 50s struck and killed by an unidentified vehicle which fled the scene.
1718. Long Beach, Cal. July 18. 24-year-old woman critically injured when struck by a light-colored, four-door vehicle described as a small sedan or compact car which fled the scene.
1719. Flint, Mich. July 17. 17-year-old mother struck and killed by an SUV which took off from the scene.
1720. San Antonio, Texas. July 19. Woman struck and killed by a blue two-door Honda which fled the scene.
1721. Palo Alto, Cal. July 19. Man in his 50s on a bicycle suffers minor injuries after being struck by a white Volvo that fled the scene.
Related stories:
And I quote (I) …
There are two basic reactions of people who flee from an injury accident: rational and irrational.
“The rational person who leaves the scene of an accident usually has some reason to: they’re holding drugs, uninsured, unlicensed, drunk. He leaves out of some motive of self-preservation and probably believes he can get away with it,” Ewing said.
“In the rational group, you have the type of people we’re talking about: the higher social economic class. People who really have something to lose.”
The other type are “often kids or young adults — people who panic,” Ewing said. “They just don’t know what to do. They speed away. They’re really not thinking. It’s either irrational or just thoughtless.”
Plus, because they’ve been drinking, their judgment, along with their driving abilities, is likely impaired, further compounding the situation.
And I quote (II) …
A Memphis bicycle rider was recovering in the hospital Sunday after being hit by a driver who never stopped to help.
Bike enthusiasts said this incident highlights precisely why the city needs more dedicated bike lanes.
Mary Park’s condition at the MED has been upgraded from critical to non-critical. The driver who hit her has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and DUI.
The crash that put Park in the hospital has other bike riders speaking out.
And I quote (III) …
Witnesses say that a man got into an argument with another man. The man then allegedly got into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee and tried to strike the other man with his vehicle. However, witnesses say that he struck the 31-year-old victim instead. The man then fled the scene.
And I quote (IV) …
A man was sentenced Monday to 371 days in jail for aiding the escape of a hit-and-run driver who killed a Denver nightclub valet, authorities said Monday.
And I quote (V) …
LEAGUE CITY — Police released the name of a man sought in a fatal hit-and-run crash in which officers found a handwritten apology note near the body of the pedestrian.
Bond for Alejandro Garcia, 19, of Dickinson was set at $50,000 on a charge of failing to stop and render aid, League City police Sgt. John Jordan said in a statement.
And I quote (VI) …
According to police, Burbridge continues to deny involvement in the hit-and-run and contends that she was the only one who had driven her vehicle.
“I think we are going to find out that shes got a full-blown epileptic condition that will prevent her from driving in the future,” attorney Scott Palmer said.
He said his client has a history of blacking out and losing consciousness and doesn’t remember the crash.
Psst, hey Scott, maybe your client shouldn’t have been fucking driving if she’s prone to blackouts. Change your angle, lest karma attack thee.
And I quote (VII) …
According to court documents, McDonald admitted to police he was driving down the road that night and hit something but didn’t have a phone to call for help. The complaint also says McDonald does not believe he was the first person to hit Borths.
And I quote (VIII) …
BANGOR, Maine — Whether a York County man is convicted in the hit-and-run incident that left a University of Maine student dead next to a snowbank on an Orono side street will depend on which expert jurors believe.
Caught, convicted, court appearance or car-on-car in … Croydon, Pa. (Update); Houston; Hemet, Cal.; Decatur, Ga.; Bristol Twp., Pa.; Petaluma, Cal.; Grand Forks, ND; Homer, NY; Lubbock, Texas.
More hit-and-run stories, including every volume of Hit-and-Run America (in reverse order), are accessible from this linked page. (The full Volume-by-Volume list will appear sporadically from now on.)