An early morning hit-and-run in downtown Cincinnati sent a woman to the hospital and left police searching for a driver who sped off instead of stopping.
The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of 3rd Street and Broadway, and the driver took off before officers arrived, according to police at the scene.
What police say
Officers said the vehicle that fled may have been a semi-truck, and the woman was transported to UC Medical Center. Authorities have not released the extent of her injuries. Investigators told reporters they are reviewing traffic-camera footage in an effort to identify the vehicle, according to WCPO.
Context: recent downtown crashes
The collision is the latest high-profile hit-and-run in the Central Business District this year. Earlier this spring, an Opening Day hit-and-run left a 25-year-old seriously injured, according to Opening Day chaos. The Cincinnati Police Department has urged residents and businesses to register security cameras with its voluntary community camera registry to make footage easier for investigators to locate, per the Cincinnati Police Department.
Legal consequences
Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in Ohio. Drivers are required to stop and provide identifying information, and those who take off instead can face charges. The statute that lays out a driver’s duties and potential penalties is detailed in Ohio Revised Code §4549.02.
How to help
Cincinnati police are asking anyone with video or information about the crash to contact the department. For non-emergencies, residents can call 311 or (513) 765-1212, according to the City of Cincinnati. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Greater Cincinnati Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040 or via its online tip portal, per Crime Stoppers.
Authorities have not released additional details about the victim or the suspected vehicle. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
