A Durham resident was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident over the weekend, local authorities report. Richard Ferguson Jr., 61, was standing near a bus stop along Chalk Level Road when he was struck by a vehicle shortly before 10:45 p.m. on Saturday. The CBS17 news release affiliated with the Durham Police Department stated that after the crash, Ferguson was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The investigation so far points to the involvement of an orange Jeep with a hard top, which is believed to have veered off the road. According to the Durham Police Department, the vehicle first "ran off the road to the left, and then hit two signs," before striking Ferguson. It is presumed to now have conspicuous damage on the front end, including the hood and possibly the windshield. Police are actively looking for the suspect's vehicle and have reached out to the community for assistance, as reported by CBS17.
There's been a call for public assistance to bring the driver to justice. In a statement obtained by ABC11, authorities urge anyone with information to get in touch. Investigator Munter can be contacted at (919) 560-4935 ext. 29448. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provisioned through CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200, or online at durhamcrimestoppers.org, with potential cash rewards for information leading to an arrest in this felony case.
The local community has been shaken by Ferguson’s untimely death and the abruptness of such violence. As law enforcement continue to search for the orange Jeep, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent fragility of life and the unforeseen dangers that may rapidly turn fatal. Anyone who may have seen the crash or the suspect's vehicle is to strongly consider coming forward, with the hopes of aiding the police in their investigation, a sentiment echoed by a WRAL report on the ongoing search.
