Just before dawn on Saturday, a man out picking up paper from the street near the Orange Mound neighborhood was struck by a car that jumped the curb, leaving him clinging to life, according to Memphis police.
Officers were called shortly before 5:40 a.m. to the intersection of Airways Boulevard and Supreme Avenue. The man was rushed to Regional One in critical condition, police said.
What police say
Investigators pulled surveillance video from a nearby business and say it shows a black vehicle barreling north on Airways Boulevard at a high rate of speed before it suddenly veers, jumps the curb and slams into the man. The driver then takes off, with no attempt to stop and no sign of returning, according to police.
No arrest has been made, and the case remains an active hit-and-run investigation, as first reported by Action News 5.
Orange Mound context
The crash unfolded in a stretch of Memphis that neighbors say has been worn down by both traffic wrecks and violent incidents in recent months. Residents often turn to security cameras and word-of-mouth tips to help police piece together what really happened after the sirens fade.
Back in April, a hit-and-run on Park Avenue left an elderly woman fighting for her life and kicked off another scramble for surveillance footage and community leads. Hoodline previously covered that Park Avenue hit-and-run, which sparked similar concerns about dangerous drivers and accountability.
Police ask for tips
Memphis police are urging anyone who was near Airways and Supreme around the time of Saturday’s crash to check their dashcams, doorbell cameras or other security systems for any sign of a fast-moving black vehicle.
Tips can be called in to CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Anonymous reporting options and online tip methods are listed on CrimeStoppers of Memphis.
What the law says
Under Tennessee law, any driver involved in a crash that injures someone is required to stop, stay at the scene and exchange information. Leaving instead of rendering aid is not just callous; it can bring criminal charges and license revocation.
The state statute spelling out those duties and penalties is TCA 55-10-101; a full breakdown is available in Tennessee Code 55-10-101.
