Virginia beach driver charged after woman killed in crosswalk on pacific avenue hit-and-run — Virginia Beach Police Department-file photo

Virginia Beach, VA — A 34-year-old Virginia Beach woman died after a driver allegedly struck her in a marked crosswalk on Pacific Avenue Thursday night and fled the scene before police tracked him down at a nearby hotel parking lot, according to investigators.

Kathleen Bachand was pronounced dead after emergency crews responded around 9 p.m. Thursday to the 900 block of Pacific Avenue, where Virginia Beach Police officers found her in the roadway following the collision.

Investigators say the crash happened in one of the city’s busiest oceanfront corridors as evening traffic and pedestrian activity remained active near the beachfront area.

Driver Located Nearby, Police Say

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 by a vehicle that left the scene.

Police later located the suspected driver, identified as John Peacock, 48, of Virginia Beach, in a nearby hotel parking lot. Officers took Peacock into custody without incident.

Peacock now faces charges of manslaughter and felony hit-and-run, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.

Authorities 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
• Virginia Beach Police charged John Peacock, 48, with manslaughter and felony hit-and-run
• Investigators suspect alcohol impairment contributed to the deadly crash

Fatal Crash Shakes Busy Oceanfront Area

The collision happened along Pacific Avenue near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, an area known for heavy pedestrian traffic, restaurants, hotels, and nightlife activity, especially during spring and early summer evenings.

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