Tuesday evening traffic on Camelback Road in central Phoenix turned deadly when a driver struck a man and took off, according to police. The crash happened around 6:30 p.m. near Camelback Road and 21st Avenue. First responders found the man in the roadway with serious injuries and rushed him to a hospital, where he later died. Detectives shut down the area for a scene investigation before reopening the roadway.
Phoenix police say officers were called to the area and found the injured man in the street. He was transported to a hospital and was later pronounced dead. Officers told reporters the driver had already fled and that no identifying details about the vehicle have been released. Detectives wrapped up their on-scene work and reopened Camelback Road, according to 12News.
Police seek tips; Silent Witness offering reward
Investigators are now leaning on the public for help. Authorities are asking anyone who saw the crash or captured video to come forward. Per Silent Witness, tips can be submitted online or by phone, with calls answered by a live person around the clock. The group says tipsters may stay anonymous and could qualify for a reward if their information leads to an arrest or indictment.
Camelback has been the scene of other serious crashes
This stretch of Camelback Road has seen its share of grim headlines in recent months. For instance, FOX 10 Phoenix reported a deadly hit-and-run near 16th Street where a suspect later surrendered. ABC15 has also documented other pedestrian-involved crashes along the same corridor.
Legal stakes for a driver who flees
Under Arizona law, leaving the scene of a crash that causes serious injury or death can bring felony charges. Legal analyses note that a fatal hit-and-run can be prosecuted under A.R.S. 28-661 and can carry multi-year prison terms, with stiffer penalties if prosecutors conclude the fleeing driver caused the collision, per LegalClarity.
Phoenix police say the victim's identity has not yet been released. Anyone with information is urged to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or submit a tip online. Detectives have specifically asked anyone with video from the area to preserve it for investigators, according to 12News.
