UPDATE: Police released the following statement Tuesday morning. Thanks to a call from a citizen less than six hours after the information was shared with the public, the suspect vehicle involved in this incident and the suspected driver have been identified. IMPD thanks the community for its assistance in this investigation. The investigation is ongoing and nobody is currently under arrest.
INDIANAPOLIS — Police are searching for a driver who fled the scene of a deadly hit-and-run on Indy’s east side.
According to investigators, a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle in the area of E. 21st and Shadeland Avenue around 11:55 p.m. Sunday.
The deadly crash marked the eighth fatal hit-and-run this year in Indianapolis. However, the death is of course much more than just a number. It represents a grieving family desperate to see the driver responsible brought to justice.
“I just can’t even think right now. I’m just so upset,” said the victim’s grandmother, Suzanne Spicer.
Suzanne’s 27-year-old grandson, Justin Michael Spicer, died on the scene.
Investigators say a vehicle was traveling eastbound in about the 6800 block of E. 21st Street when Justin was hit.
His family is still struggling to make sense of the loss.
“I mean, we’re just in shock. We never expected anything like this to happen,” said Justin’s cousin, Bailey Wyeth.
The area along 21st street where the crash took place does not have sidewalks on both sides, so police don’t know if Justin was hit trying to cross the street.
Regardless of the cause, his family holds out hope somebody will help police catch the driver who sped away.
The vehicle is believed to be a 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger and will have damage to the passenger side headlight area, hood and windshield. Police provided the following photos of the suspect vehicle:
“It’s really frustrating. I think they should have some respect for themselves and come forward,” said Wyeth.
“I just wish they would come forward because it’s terrible to do that to somebody and leave them alone to die or whatever. It’s just awful,” said Suzanne.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Crash Investigations Unit at 317-327-6549. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477). Tips to Crime Stoppers may lead to a cash reward.
