Driver charged for leaving scene of deadly south side hit-and-run

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man told police he was driving on Stop 11 Road late Friday night when a man suddenly walked out in front of his SUV. The driver hit the man but did not stop to check on him or even call police.

He just kept driving.

Now, the driver faces up to 12 years in prison.

Zo Thuama, 49, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Level 4 felony.

Previous stories detail how the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was called out to the area of Stop 11 Road and Madison Avenue shortly before 11 p.m. on Aug. 9. On scene, police found 28-year-old Jeanclaude Lubunga lying in the road.

Police attempted CPR, but Lubunga was pronounced dead.

Investigators later learned that Lubanga had been part of a group of three individuals who were reportedly harassing two individuals just prior to the deadly hit-and-run.

A witness said a male was shouting at Lubanga to “walk away” after the encounter between the group and the two individuals. Lubanga then allegedly walked into the street and was hit by Thuama’s Honda CRV.

Police ended up using license plate readers to track the Honda back to Thuama. When Thuama spoke to police, he allegedly admitted to hitting Lubanga after the 28-year-old walked out in front of his Honda.

He told police he panicked and drove home instead of calling police or stopping.

A warrant has since been issued for Thuama’s arrest.

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