What started as an ordinary Sunday night drive in Whitehaven ended in tragedy, and now Memphis police are asking the public to help find two men they say are tied to a fatal hit-and-run.
Investigators say a green 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe slammed into a white Toyota in the Whitehaven neighborhood on Sunday night. The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene. According to officers, the Tahoe took off, but it did not get far: the SUV was later found unoccupied, and police have now circulated images and descriptions of the two men believed to have been inside.
In a news release, the Memphis Police Department said officers responded at about 9:11 p.m. to a two-vehicle collision at East Shelby Drive and Hodge Road. The department reports that a westbound Tahoe struck an eastbound Toyota, the Tahoe left the scene, and officers later located the SUV unoccupied. Investigators say they obtained a photo of the Tahoe’s occupants that has been shared with the public. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH, the department added.
Police image and suspect descriptions
As reported by FOX13 Memphis, the department describes the driver as a dark-complexioned, slim Black male about 25 to 30 years old, wearing a black do-rag, white T-shirt and red pants. The passenger is described as a Black male in a black jacket, white shirt and khaki pants. FOX13 published the images Memphis police released and noted that officers are treating these two men as suspects in the hit-and-run. Authorities have not announced any arrests as the investigation continues.
What the law says
Tennessee law requires drivers involved in collisions that cause injury or death to stop, provide information, and render aid. Failing to do so can carry criminal penalties. The Tennessee General Assembly’s fiscal analysis notes that under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-101, leaving the scene of an accident that results in a death can be prosecuted as a Class E felony if the driver knew or reasonably should have known that a death occurred.
How to help
Investigators say community tips can help move the probe forward. Anyone who recognizes the SUV, the people in the photos, or who has video of the crash is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH or call the Memphis Police Department’s non-emergency line and reference case WC2604485. Tips can be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers and will be passed to police investigators for follow-up.
