An early Saturday morning turned deadly in north Raleigh when an SUV struck a pedestrian on Buffaloe Road near Oates Drive and then took off, according to police. Officers shut down part of Buffaloe Road for several hours while investigators processed the scene and collected evidence.
According to WRAL, Raleigh police confirmed the pedestrian died at the scene and are investigating the collision as a hit-and-run.
Investigation and tips for witnesses
Raleigh police have opened an active hit-and-run investigation and are asking witnesses, nearby businesses and drivers with dash-cam or doorbell video to come forward. Per the Raleigh Police Department, tips can be submitted through the department’s non-emergency line at (919) 829-1911 or via its online reporting resources.
Why this stretch is risky
Buffaloe Road has been the site of previous deadly collisions and features long stretches of fast, multi-lane roadway that can make crossings hazardous, reporting by The News & Observer has noted. On a national level, the Governors Highway Safety Association’s analysis shows hit-and-run crashes account for a sizable share of pedestrian fatalities, underscoring the challenges investigators face when drivers leave the scene.
No arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains active, WRAL reports. Anyone with information that might help investigators is asked to contact the Raleigh Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
