News

The Eureka Police Department is investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred shortly before 7 a.m. today at the intersection of Fifth and K streets, between the county jail and city hall.

According to an EPD press release, someone called 911 to report someone lying in the roadway there visibly injured with no cars on scene. When police responded, they found vehicle debris in the roadway and confirmed that the pedestrian had been hit by a car that fled the scene.

The pedestrian, whose identity has not been released, was transported to St. Joseph Hospital where they later died of their injuries.

According to EPD, the investigation has determined the pedestrian was walking south across Fifth Street in the crosswalk when hit.

"The suspect vehicle immediately fled, traveling east on Fifth Street, without rendering any aid to the pedestrian," the press release states.

Physical and video evidence from the scene has identified the suspect vehicle as a white Lincoln MKX mid-size SUV, with a probable model year of 2011 through 2015. The car has a sun or moon roof that makes it appear as if the vehicle has a black roof, and it will have front-end damage, according to the release.

EPD asks anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle and driver involved to call (707) 441-4044 or email officer Jeremy Sollon at [email protected] or Sgt. Wayne Rabang at [email protected].

See the full press release copied below:

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 04, 2023

Subject: Fatal Hit and Run Investigation
Vehicle versus Pedeatrian

On March 4, 2023, at approximately 7:00 a.m., the Eureka Police Department’s Communication Center received a report of a subject lying in the roadway near 5th and K Streets, who was visibly injured and had possibly been struck by a vehicle. The reporting party stated there were no vehicles on scene. Eureka Police Officers were dispatched to the scene along with Humboldt Bay Fire and City Ambulance. The first arriving officers located vehicle debris in the roadway, confirming that a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision had occurred and confirmed there were no involved vehicles still on scene.

The pedestrian suffered major injuries and was immediately transported by City Ambulance to St. Joseph Hospital where they have succumbed to their injuries.

The investigation has revealed that the pedestrian was traveling south across 5th Street, in the crosswalk, and was struck by the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle immediately fled, traveling east on 5th Street, without rendering any aid to the pedestrian.

Evidence at the scene, both physical and video, has identified the suspect vehicle as a white Lincoln MKX, mid-size SUV, with a probable model year of 2011-2015. The vehicle has a sun or moon roof that makes the vehicle’s roof appear black and will have driver’s side front end damage.

There will be no additional information released at this time as this is an active criminal investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed this collision or has information on the involved vehicle or driver is asked to please contact the Eureka Police Department Communications Center at 707-441-4044 or email the Investigating Officer, Jeremy Sollom, at [email protected] or our Criminal Investigations Section Detective Sergeant, Wayne Rabang, [email protected].





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