UNION COUNTY, N.C. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for the suspect in a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed an 83-year-old bicyclist on Sunday.
Around 6:15 p.m., deputies and state troopers responded to the crash on Morgan Mill Road in reference to a pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle. Officials shut down the road between Zebulon Williams and Watson Church Roads around 7 p.m.
Upon arrival, deputies said they found a man dead at the scene. However, the vehicle did not stop or check on the victim.
Highway Patrol identified the victim as Leonidas Constantine Smith.
Channel 9’s Miana Massey spoke with Ben Riffle, who works nearby, and says this stretch of road has long been a concern.
“I wasn’t surprised that someone got hit,” Riffle said. “I was surprised that someone got killed because it’s a lot of wrecks around here.”
Investigators are now searching for a 1999-2006 GMC Yukon SUV or GMC Sierra pickup truck. The vehicle will have front right-end damage. Officials say it will be missing the front right turn signal, a portion of the chrome grille, and the passenger-side mirror. The vehicle is believed to be white. It was last seen traveling north on Highway 200.
Deputies are asking surrounding counties, auto shops and members of the public to help identify the driver. Anyone with information about the case should contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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