Phoenix police say a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run crash near 16th Street and Highland Avenue on Saturday evening.
The pedestrian, 44-year-old Robert Melvin, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
1600 E Highland St Fatal Traffic Collision. Car/Ped Hit&Run: Highland closed east to SR51. Use alt route. #PhxTraffic #WhatHappenedPhxPD pic.twitter.com/48lrRu5XzS
— Phoenix Police (@phoenixpolice) April 8, 2018
According to authorities, a dark-colored Nissan was driving eastbound when it struck Melvin who was crossing the road outside of a crosswalk.
"I was trying to get as much information from anyone else about the truck that I could," said witness Patrick Perez. "By the time I was out of shock, it was too late for me, too late for me to try and chase the guy down."
The driver of the car did not stop but was located a short time later after being involved in a second car accident near 7th and Roosevelt streets, police said.
The victim's parents told ABC15 Melvin was crossing the street in order to buy a soda at the gas station. They wondered what was taking him so long, and found the flashing lights when they walked to the front of their townhouse complex.
Family members described Melvin as a good son with a big heart.
Perez says he feels for the victim's family.
"It hit me late last night," Perez said. "It took me a while to get to sleep."
The driver was cited for a DUI and released, but an investigation of the hit-and-run is ongoing. The suspect's name hasn't been released.
