Virginia Beach man charged after fatal pedestrian hit-and-run on Virginia Beach Boulevard
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — A 72-year-old man is dead and a local driver is facing charges after a late-night pedestrian crash on Virginia Beach Boulevard turned into a fatal hit-and-run, police said Tuesday.
Just before midnight on Monday, officers responded to the 2400 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard where they found the pedestrian unresponsive in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed the man was initially struck by a vehicle that fled the area. A second vehicle, also involved in the crash, remained at the scene and its driver cooperated with investigators. Officers later identified and located the first driver, 39-year-old Anthony Smith of Virginia Beach. Smith was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence (First Offense) and Hit & Run Resulting in Death.
According to investigators, the pedestrian was crossing the road outside of a designated crosswalk and failed to yield the right of way. The Virginia Beach Police Department stated the pedestrian was determined to be the causative factor in the crash.
So far this year, VBPD has investigated five fatal pedestrian crashes — all of which involved pedestrians who were found to be at fault.
The incident remains under active investigation by the VBPD Traffic Safety Unit. Police say pedestrian safety remains a growing concern and are urging both drivers and pedestrians to obey traffic laws and remain vigilant.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call the VBPD Traffic Safety Unit at 757-385-4606 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or visiting P3Tips.com.
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Key Points
- A 72-year-old man was killed in a pedestrian crash late Monday night on Virginia Beach Boulevard
- Anthony Smith, 39, was charged with DUI and hit-and-run resulting in death after allegedly fleeing the scene
- VBPD says the pedestrian failed to yield and was found to be the causative factor in the crash
