Police Say Motorist Struck and Killed Pedestrian at Locust and Garfield Streets in Butte; Driver Fled the Scene
Authorities in Butte, Montana, are searching for the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred early Saturday morning. According to a statement released by Sheriff Ed Lester, the incident happened around 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of Locust and Garfield streets. A 38-year-old pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and killed. The motorist did not stop after the collision and fled the scene, continuing southbound on Garfield Street.
Emergency personnel arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s name has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The tragic circumstances have left the Butte community shaken and police determined to identify and apprehend the driver responsible.
“The suspect vehicle had been southbound on Garfield Street at the time of the accident,” said Sheriff Lester in his Saturday afternoon press release. “It did not stop at the scene and is believed to have continued south on Garfield Street to Grand Avenue, then turned westbound.” Authorities believe the vehicle involved is dark in color, but a more specific description has not yet been confirmed.
Law enforcement officers are currently reviewing any available surveillance footage and following up on leads in the area. The Butte Police Department is working in close cooperation with the Montana Highway Patrol and the Butte-Silver Bow Coroner’s Office to conduct a thorough investigation.
Sheriff Lester is urging members of the public to come forward with any information that may help identify the vehicle or the driver involved. “We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who was in the area around the time of the accident, to contact our department,” he said. “We are especially interested in hearing from individuals who may have home security or doorbell cameras that could have recorded either the victim or the suspect vehicle.”
This senseless tragedy has left a family grieving and a community on edge. Police are asking for the public’s help to ensure justice is served. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Butte Police Department immediately.
