The pedestrian has been identified as 44-year-old Bonifacio Salazar. Next of kin has been notified.
The detectives are continuing their investigation. The vehicle associated with this fatal hit and run has still NOT been located at this time. The vehicle was described as a dark colored pickup truck or SUV and should have lower body damage. The detectives are urging anyone with information related to this incident to please call 911 or 88-CRIME (you can remain anonymous).
The Tucson Police Department is actively investigating a fatal hit and run pedestrian collision that occurred late Thursday night on the city’s south side.
Original Report
On July 6, 2017, around 11:30 p.m., officers from Operations Division South and members from the Tucson Fire Department responded to a report of a male in a wheelchair that was struck by a vehicle on W. Irvington Rd. near S. 9th Ave. Upon arrival, they located an adult male with obvious signs of injury. Paramedics immediately transported the male to Banner University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Sadly, the male succumbed to injuries several hours later and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. His name is being withheld, pending next of kin notification.
The vehicle that struck the male did not remain on scene and is still outstanding.
Detectives from the Tucson Police Traffic Investigations Unit responded to the scene to continue the investigation. They interviewed witnessed and collected evidence. They were able to determine if the male in the wheelchair was on the north side of W. Irvington Rd., west of 9th Ave. in a dirt lot. As he was crossing Irvington Rd. southbound, approximately 92 feet from a HAWK controlled pedestrian crosswalk, he was struck by a vehicle westbound in the median lane on Irvington Rd. According to witnesses, the driver did not slow down or stop the vehicle. The vehicle has NOT been located at this time. The vehicle was described as a dark colored pickup truck or SUV and should have lower body damage. The investigation is ongoing and additional details will be released as they become available.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about this collision to please call 88-CRIME. You can remain anonymous. They are also asking vehicle repair shops to pay special attention to anyone who requested or is requesting work on this type of vehicle. If the damage is similar, please call 911 or 88-CRIME.
This incident brings the total pedestrian deaths to 15 now more than double the 7 year to date for last year.