In a tragic turn of events early this morning, Malvin Love was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing E. 5th Ave at Peters Ave in Columbus. The Columbus Police Department reports that the incident occurred at approximately 1:04 am when Love, walking southbound, was hit by a 2012 Toyota Camry traveling westbound.
The force of the collision sent Mr. Love tumbling down E. 5th Ave and into the eastbound #2 lane. In a bizarre sequence, the driver of the Camry chose to hastily exit the vehicle while it was yet to come fully to a stop, fleeing on foot down Lexington Ave. The car eventually came to rest in front of 777 E. 5th Ave without further incident. Columbus Fire Engine #18 was on the scene and pronounced Mr. Love dead at 1:11 am, according to a media release by the Columbus Division of Police,
Witnesses at the scene recounted the driver's sudden departure, which complicated the police's efforts to elucidate the chain of events leading to the fatal accident. The Accident Investigation Unit has since been deployed to the scene, initiating an investigation to unravel the incident's specifics.
The authorities have issued a call for public assistance in this matter. Anyone with information regarding the crash or the unidentified driver's whereabouts is strongly encouraged to contact the Columbus Division of Police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. This information is vital, not only to bring closure to the case but also to potentially help prevent future tragedies from occurring. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates are expected to be forthcoming as new details are unearthed.
