On Friday evening, a pedestrian lost his life following what police believe was an intentional hit-and-run collision in central Phoenix. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of 16th Street and Thomas Road, a busy midtown corridor. Phoenix Police Department officers responded to reports of a pedestrian-involved crash and discovered a male victim suffering from severe injuries at the scene. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement officials have indicated their preliminary investigation suggests the driver deliberately struck the pedestrian before fleeing the scene. The suspect and vehicle details remain unknown as police continue their investigation. Phoenix PD is actively seeking information from the public to help identify and locate the driver responsible for this fatal incident.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of 16th Street and Thomas Road represents one of Phoenix's major midtown crossroads, situated in a mixed commercial and residential area approximately two miles northeast of downtown. This busy intersection typically handles substantial traffic volumes, with 16th Street serving as a primary north-south arterial route and Thomas Road functioning as a key east-west corridor. The area features multiple retail establishments, restaurants, and business complexes, generating significant pedestrian activity throughout the day. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and includes marked crosswalks on all approaches, with dedicated turn lanes to manage heavy traffic flow during peak hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Arizona law, leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a Class 3 felony, carrying severe penalties including potential imprisonment and substantial fines. Victims' families in hit-and-run cases may be entitled to compensation through multiple channels, including their own uninsured motorist coverage if the responsible party remains unidentified. Arizona's statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the incident to file a wrongful death claim, though certain circumstances may affect this timeframe. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Additionally, Arizona's wrongful death statute specifically outlines who may bring such claims, typically limiting eligible parties to surviving spouses, children, or parents of the deceased. An experienced Phoenix wrongful death lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Phoenix Police Department: (602) 262-6151
• Phoenix Fire Department: (602) 262-7496
• Silent Witness Hotline: 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377)
• Spanish Silent Witness Line: 480-TESTIGO (480-837-8446)

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety
• Phoenix Street Transportation Department
• Arizona Department of Transportation Safety Portal

Victim Support Services:

• Phoenix Victim Services Unit: (602) 534-2120
• Arizona Crime Victims' Rights Law Group
• Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) Phoenix Chapter
• Arizona Crime Victim Compensation Program

Legal References:

• Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-661 (Hit-and-Run Incidents)
• Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542 (Statute of Limitations)
• Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-611 (Wrongful Death)