Tragedy struck the heart of downtown Indianapolis this morning when a woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash. Police are actively searching for the driver who fled the scene after fatally striking the pedestrian near West Michigan and North Illinois streets, as reported by IndyStar.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the incident occurred around 7:50 a.m., and streets were closed for several hours during the investigation. FOX59 noted the location was bordered by parking facilities, and despite the crash happening in broad daylight downtown which was a factor which allowed for multiple eyewitness accounts, specific details about the vehicle involved have not been released.
IMPD Sgt. Amanda Hibschman, in a statement obtained by FOX59, expressed deep condolences, stating "This is a tragic incident. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Our detectives are going to work hard to find the person responsible and hold them accountable for their actions." IMPD's crash investigation unit pleads for public assistance from anyone with information, urging them to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.
Amidst the investigation and community concern, Sgt. Hibschman emphasized the importance of mutual vigilance on the road stressing “When you get behind the wheel as a driver, you have a responsibility. You have a responsibility to pay attention, to obey traffic signals and traffic laws and it is a crime in Indiana to flee the scene of an accident," signaling a clear message to the public to adhere to traffic safety to prevent further loss and suffering, said Hibschman in an interview with FOX59.
The investigation is ongoing, as detectives and witnesses work closely together to piece together the events of the crash, aiming to bring to justice the responsible individual clarified IMPD Sgt. Amanda Hibschman speaking to WISH-TV after earlier reports misidentified the victim as a man; they have since corrected the victim's gender and continue to ask for public assistance in apprehending the culprit.
