A man was killed Friday evening in a hit-and-run at a busy central Phoenix intersection, after a driver in a dark van struck him and took off, police said.
Officers were called to Encanto Boulevard and Grand Avenue just before 7 p.m., where they found the man lying in the roadway. Phoenix Fire Department paramedics rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he later died from his injuries. Detectives are investigating the crash as a suspected hit-and-run.
According to 12News, witnesses described the vehicle as a dark-colored van traveling eastbound on Grand Avenue. Police say the driver did not stay at the scene. The victim has not been publicly identified, pending notification of his family.
Investigators Seek Witnesses And Any Video
Detectives are now betting on the public to help fill in the blanks. Anyone who saw the collision or has dash-cam or cellphone footage from the area is urged to contact Phoenix police or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers, per Silent Witness. Silent Witness accepts anonymous online tips and may offer rewards in qualifying cases.
Deadly Hit-And-Runs Stalk Central Phoenix
The fatal crash caps a troubling stretch of hit-and-runs around the Valley. Earlier this week, an unrelated crash near 21st Avenue and Camelback Road left another man dead, according to Arizona's Family. For residents who drive or walk these corridors daily, it is starting to feel like a grim pattern.
The Phoenix Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Unit has taken over the Encanto and Grand case and says the investigation is very much active, with detectives reviewing any available video and chasing down leads. No arrests have been announced, according to 12News. Anyone with information is asked to call Phoenix police or submit an anonymous tip to Silent Witness.
