Teen Girl Killed in Hit-and-Run on Pershing Avenue in Lufkin, TX
Lufkin, TX -- April 15, 2022, a 14-year-old girl was struck and fatally injured by a hit-and-run vehicle on Pershing Avenue in Lufkin.
Authorities say the incident happened around 10:30 p.m. on the 1100 block of Pershing near Schuller Street. Preliminary investigation suggests the girl and two other juveniles were walking west in the center turn lane of the road when a westbound vehicle approached from behind them. The other teens told police they though the vehicle would slow and turn before reaching them, but it continued toward them.
Two of the juveniles ran to the other side of the street but the teen girl was unable to get out of the way. The vehicle struck her and continued west without stopping.
The girl suffered critical injuries in the collision. She was transported to an area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries on Monday, April 18.
According to police they located footage from a nearby business that led them to believe a white SUV may be involved in the accident. The juveniles described the vehicle as a dark-colored van or SUV. Investigators are still looking for more sources of information to help them track the vehicle down.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Fatal Hit-and-Run on Pershing Ave in Lufkin
Hit-and-run crashes are always frustrating to hear about, but rarely more so than when a young life is tragically ended by one. Stopping and helping as much as possible after causing major damage seems like the least anyone could do, and the idea that someone would abandon the victim of their carelessness makes me see red. I always find myself asking the same question I assume most folks do: "Why on earth did they run?"
Some may think the suspect just panicked, and that may yet turn out to be true. However, when they apprehend hit-and-run drivers investigators often find they took off because they had something to hide like warrants, drugs, or drunk driving. I'm not saying I know alcohol was a factor here, but these accidents have few causes more common than intoxication. I have a feeling police will at least look into that possibility, which could also mean a local business is liable for the victim's tragic death as well. That's why it's important not to simply catch and charge the runaway driver but also to learn the full context of the incident.
Of course, before punishments or circumstances can really be considered the runaway driver must still be found. That will require keeping these reports in the public eye and members of the community coming forward with any information the authorities can use to make an arrest. It may take a little time, but I remain hopeful someone will do what's right. I've seen plenty of incidents where a suspect's friends, coworkers, and even their families eventually helped authorities deliver justice. After the driver is caught and the details of this incident are clarified somewhat, further action beyond that--if any--can be determined.
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