PARKER, Colo. — A man fleeing from a shoplifting incident Monday night in Parker ran a red light, fatally struck a pedestrian and then continued driving, according to the Parker Police Department.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued a Medina Alert on behalf of Parker Police. According to the alert, the man was suspected of shoplifting from the Walmart on 11101 South Parker Road and fled the store around 8:30 p.m. Monday.
Tuesday evening, police shared photos of the suspect leaving the Walmart.
According to Parker Police, an officer attempted to pull over the suspect, who was in a 2005 white Chevrolet Monte Carlo, on Parker Road near Plaza Drive. The driver did not stop. At that time, the officer turned off their lights and sirens and made a U-turn at the next intersection, Parker Police said. Shortly after that attempted traffic stop, dispatch was notified of a crash at South Parker Road and Lincoln Avenue.
A witness who didn't want to be identified said she was in the turning lane of the intersection when a white car drove through.
"It was traveling at a very high speed and hit a gentleman who was going on the crosswalk," she said. "I turned because I was like, 'Is this person going to stop?' because of hitting someone, and they just kept going. I mean I didn’t even see brake lights on them. They just continued on, high speed. Left him there."
The witness stopped at the scene. She said many people ran out to tend to the victim. That's when she realized she likely caught the crash on her car's dashboard camera.
Her front camera caught the entire incident, while her side view camera caught the car speeding away.
"I sent it to the police and I'm not sure if it helped or if it at least confirmed who it was, the suspicion that they had," she said.
Investigators determined that the shoplifting suspect had run the red light and hit the pedestrian, who was in a designated crosswalk.
The victim has been identified as Jossy Pinto, 49.
The driver continued north on South Parker Road and was last seen by a witness near Orchard Road. According to police, a man was driving the car and a woman was in the passenger seat.
The car has Colorado license plate AWRS39. According to witnesses, the Monte Carlo has a cracked windshield as a result of the crash. The driver's side airbag may have deployed.
The witness told 9NEWS the reason she shared what she saw was to keep the story top of mind. She hopes it will help find those responsible and bring the victim's family peace of mind.
"I’ve been praying for peace and comfort for them, because I can’t imagine what they’re going through to lose someone in such a devastating manner," she said. "I’m absolutely hoping the person will be caught."
Parker Police said they have received a lot of tips, and are asking the public to continue to reach out if they have any information that may help the investigation.
Anyone with information about the car or those in it should contact Parker Police at 303-841-9800.
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