The stolen 2012 Toyota Camry was located less than a mile away, authorities say
COLUMBUS, OH, (September 18, 2024) - Authorities in north Columbus say the vehicle that fatally struck a pedestrian early Wednesday in the 800 block of East 5th Avenue was stolen several weeks ago.
Malvin Love, 55, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver along East 5th Avenue in north Columbus early Wednesday, according to authorities.
The pedestrian—identified as 55-year-old Malvin Love—was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, a stolen 2012 Toyota Camry was traveling westbound, approaching Peters Avenue at approximately 1:04 a.m., when the driver crashed into Love, who was crossing E. Fifth Avenue. Witnesses said the Toyota's driver got out of the car while it was still moving and fled the scene toward Lexington Avenue.
Law enforcement officials found the Camry unoccupied less than a mile from the crash site.
Anyone with information about the case was urged to call 614-645-4545.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Failure to remain on the collision site can attract criminal charges, and the victim can also pursue a case against the driver.
Many people walk from one place to another; however, data from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that this mode of traveling has become increasingly risky in recent years and has caused so much loss and pain.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of Malvin Love may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” said Formica.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time, while protecting their rights.”
If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica today
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).