A late-night call in north Phoenix turned grim Sunday after officers found a woman lying in the road in the Deer Valley neighborhood, the apparent victim of what investigators say may have been a hit-and-run.
Phoenix police say officers discovered her unresponsive in the roadway near 27th Avenue and Michigan Avenue around 10 p.m. Firefighters took her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Detectives have launched an active investigation, and officials have not yet released her name.
As reported by Arizona's Family, early findings from investigators indicate the woman may have been struck by a vehicle that left the scene. The case remains under review by detectives.
How to report tips
Anyone with information, dash-cam footage or video is urged to contact Silent Witness. The program accepts anonymous tips at 480- WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish, and also maintains an online tip form, per Silent Witness. Providing times, vehicle descriptions or clear video can be crucial to a hit-and-run probe.
Legal stakes for a leaving-the-scene crash
Under Arizona law, leaving the scene of an accident that results in death or serious physical injury can be charged as a felony. Shouse Law Group notes that penalties and license revocation depend on whether the driver caused the crash and how severe the victim's injuries are.
What investigators say comes next
Detectives were canvassing the area and collecting evidence as the investigation continued, and the victim had not been publicly identified, Arizona's Family reports. Anyone who saw suspicious activity around the intersection Sunday night can contact the Phoenix Police Department's non-emergency line at 602-262-6151, listed by the Phoenix Police Department.
