A pedestrian has died from a hit and run incident that happened late Friday night on Nov. 9.
TPD said that the accident occurred around 6:30 p.m., around Speedway Boulevard and Grande Avenue and units responded to the scene. The victim, a 58-year-old man, was transported to the nearby Banner Medical Center by the Tucson Fire Department, but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
On Saturday, Nov. 10, TPD released additional details concerning the incident, having gathered information from several witnesses. Witnesses told detectives that the pedestrian was walking across Speedway northbound on the west side of Grande Ave and that he was not on a crosswalk when he was hit by the hit-and-run vehicle.
The man has not yet been identified and TPD say that the pedestrian's medical records will determine if he was impaired.
TPD say that the evidence gathered on scene prove that speed was an element in the incident. Witnesses told TPD that the suspect vehicle was driving westbound on Speedway at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic.
On Saturday, Nov. 10., The suspect turned himself in, along with the vehicle, at the Operations Division Westside Substation.
On Sunday morning, TPD released the identity of the suspect: 21-year-old Lawrence D. Rodriguez. After being interviewed by TPD, Rodriguez was charged with Failure to Remain at the Scene of Injury Accident and booked into Pima County Jail.
Rodriguez's vehicle has also been seized as evidence.
At this time, there has been no court date announced and the victim has yet to be identified.
TPD notes that road fatalities are higher this year than last year and advise pedestrians and drivers alike to use caution on the roads.
Fatalities Year-To-Date (Per TPD):
For 2017: 55 For 2018: 63
Pedestrian - 24 Pedestrian - 28
Bicycle - 1 Bicycle - 4
Motorcycle - 11 Motorcycle – 6
This story is still developing. Please stay with KGUN9 for updates.
