Pedestrian Dies in Collision, Police Seek Hit and Run Driver

MODESTO – Traffic investigators released a photo of a vehicle suspected as the responsible truck involved in a hit and run crash that killed a pedestrian Tuesday evening.

At about 8:45pm police responded to the area of 8th and L Streets for a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Police and medical personnel arrived and found the victim on the ground. He was rushed to a hospital but later died.

The pedestrian was crossing the street from corner to corner in an unmarked crosswalk, according to Modesto Police Sergeant Lance Nicolai. Although there is no marked crosswalk painted on the ground, Sergeant Nicolai explained that vehicles are still legally obligated to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road at such intersections.

As the victim crossed, a vehicle traveling west on the inside lane yielded to the pedestrian. A smaller sized dark colored pickup truck traveling behind that stopped vehicle in the same lane swerved around and drove back into the inside lane, striking the pedestrian.

The collision threw the pedestrian toward the curb on L Street. The pickup truck continued west on L before turning north on 7th and driving off.

Police are seeking a dark green Chevy S-10 or GMC Jimmy, between 1994 and 2004 models. Authorities say the back window is tinted black and it has a diamond plate style toolbox in the bed, and there should be significant front end damage.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have information regarding this collision to contact Investigator Radeuchel at (209) 572-9500, or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.