Driver kills pedestrian and then flees the scene

Photo byPhoto illustration: T. Leicher

Virginia State Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating a vehicle that struck a pedestrian early Tuesday.

At 5:44 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling westbound on I-66 near Exit 6 in Warren County when the driver encountered a pedestrian lying in the roadway.

The Mercury was unable to stop in time and unable to avoid striking the pedestrian. The driver remained at the scene.

Further investigation by Virginia State Police revealed that the pedestrian had been struck and died prior to the encounter with the Mercury.

State police are now searching for the original vehicle that struck the pedestrian and left the scene.

The victim has been identified as Robert L. Maki, 50, of Stephens City. State police later located Maki's vehicle parked close to the crash scene.

The driver of the Mercury was not injured in the crash.

The Virginia State Police provide statewide law enforcement services and work in conjunction with local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. In major crash scenes and/or crash scenes involving fatalities, the Virginia State Police Accident Reconstruction Team assists troopers with incident investigation and documentation.

The circumstances surrounding this case have not yet been determined, and the incident remains under investigation. Virginia State Police are reaching out to the public in the hope that someone witnessed the initial incident and/or has information on the person and vehicle that fled the scene.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Virginia State Police at 540-829-7771 or #77 from a cell phone or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.