An early morning hit-and-run in west Phoenix left two women in the hospital on Sunday after a BMW driver allegedly caused a chaotic multi-vehicle crash and then took off, police said. The wreck happened just after 6:20 a.m. near 2600 North 43rd Avenue, shutting down the block for a heavy police response and on-scene investigation.
Crash details from officers
Phoenix police say a BMW slammed into a Toyota Camry and also struck a woman who was walking before crashing into a fence and speeding away, according to AZFamily. The Camry’s driver was taken to a hospital with “serious injuries,” while the pedestrian was rushed to the hospital in “extremely critical condition,” the outlet reported.
Officers cordoned off the area as detectives documented the scene and collected evidence, and authorities warned drivers and residents to steer clear of that stretch of 43rd Avenue while they worked.
Investigators asking for tips
Detectives are now trying to track down the BMW and its driver and are asking anyone who saw the crash or has video to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Silent Witness at 480‑WITNESS (480‑948‑6377) or online, according to Silent Witness. The nonprofit notes that tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest or indictment.
As of Sunday morning, police had not released a detailed description of the BMW or the driver.
Legal consequences for leaving the scene
Under Arizona law, leaving the scene of a crash that causes serious physical injury or death can be charged as a felony under A.R.S. § 28-661. Prosecutors can pursue a Class 3 felony if a driver fails to stop and a Class 2 felony if the driver caused the collision. Courts have repeatedly interpreted the state’s hit-and-run rules to require drivers to stop, exchange information and provide reasonable assistance to anyone who is hurt, and appellate decisions have examined how far that duty goes, according to Justia.
Phoenix police continue to investigate the crash and are asking anyone with information to contact the department or Silent Witness, AZFamily reported. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
