Virginia Beach, VA — A 34-year-old woman died after police say she was struck by a vehicle in a marked crosswalk along Pacific Avenue before the driver fled the scene Thursday night near the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
Officers identified the victim as Kathleen Bachand of Virginia Beach. Emergency crews responded around 9 p.m. to the 900 block of Pacific Avenue, where they found Bachand dead in the roadway, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
Investigators say the driver left the scene immediately after the collision.
Police Arrested Suspect at Nearby Hotel Parking Lot
A preliminary investigation by the Virginia Beach Police Department Traffic Safety Unit determined Bachand had been crossing in a marked crosswalk when she was hit.
Police later located the suspected driver, identified as 48-year-old John Peacock of Virginia Beach, in a nearby hotel parking lot.
Authorities said Peacock was taken into custody without incident and now faces charges of manslaughter and felony hit-and-run.
Investigators also said alcohol impairment is suspected in the crash.
Key Points
• Kathleen Bachand, 34, died after being struck in a marked crosswalk on Pacific Avenue in Virginia Beach.
• Police charged John Peacock, 48, with manslaughter and felony hit-and-run after locating him nearby.
• Investigators said alcohol impairment is suspected in the deadly crash.
Fatal Crash Happened Near Busy Oceanfront Corridor
The crash occurred along Pacific Avenue, a heavily traveled roadway near Virginia Beach’s resort and hotel district that sees significant pedestrian activity, especially during warm-weather evenings and tourist season.
Virginia Beach police have not yet released details about the vehicle involved or the circumstances leading up to the collision.
The Traffic Safety Unit continues to investigate the fatal crash and whether additional charges could follow.
Police Seek Witnesses and Surveillance Video
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to the incident to contact the Virginia Beach Police Department at 757-385-4606.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Solvers by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or through P3Tips.com.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence from the scene and surrounding area.