Donell Gardner Killed in Hit-and-Run on North Hampton Rd in Dallas, TX
UPDATE (December 21, 2022): Sources have identified the victim of this accident as 66-year-old Donell Gardner. They also note that police were eventually able to locate the hit-and-run vehicle and its 29-year-old driver.
Dallas, TX — September 18, 2022, a male pedestrian was killed by a vehicle on Hampton Road in a Dallas hit-and-run accident.
Authorities say the incident happened around 8:40 p.m. as the victim was attempting to cross through North Hampton on foot. Investigators believe a dark-colored SUV, possibly a black Dodge Journey with tinted windows, passed northward through the area and hit the victim. After the impact the driver left the scene without stopping to render aid.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation continues as police seek information about the hit-and-run vehicle and its driver.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Dallas Hit-and-Run on Hampton Rd
UPDATE (December 21, 2022): It's a relief to learn that authorities tracked down the person who fled the scene after fatally striking the victim. Reports don't include any suspected motive for her flight, but that's a very important detail to learn. Depending on why she left the scene there may be more to investigate.
For instance, many hit-and-runs happen because a driver is intoxicated and in their compromised judgment think fleeing is their best option. In those cases a bar or other alcohol vendor may also be partly responsible for the victim's tragic injuries under Texas dram shop law; if so, its recklessness should be met with serious consequences.
I'm not saying I know more than what police say happened here, but I've seen enough of their investigations fall short of finding the whole truth to wonder if there's more to the story than their reports convey. Should someone take another look and make sure nothing slipped through the cracks?
ORIGINAL: Believe it or not, preliminary reports like these can be a vital step forward after a hit-and-run incident. These situations tend to find a resolution when someone recognizes the details--the time and place, or more often unique identifying features of the vehicle that hit the victim.
Dark-colored SUVs aren't uncommon, but if investigators are correct about the make and model and the tinted windows (plus any identifying damage after the collision) that could be instrumental to recognizing it in the surrounding neighborhood and calling a tip line.
Whether the suspect's friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor, or even just an attentive stranger reaches out to authorities, time and again we've seen public cooperation and police diligence bring resolution to these cases. If everyone does their part, I'm hopeful that the victim's loved ones can see justice done.
