Fatal Hit and Run Vehicle Information, Police Seeking Driver of Truck

(Lt. William Wilson, Ferndale Police Department, releases from 10/17/2011 and 10/14/2011 and 10/21/2011)

On Oct. 14  at about 7:30 p.m., a woman walking southbound across 8 Mile between Pinecrest and Livernois was struck by a car. The driver of the striking vehicle left the scene. It appears the woman was crossing in front of traffic in a poorly lit area. Officers and firefighters arrived and administered first aid and FFD transported the victim to Wm. Beaumont Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Regarding the accident. We have a vehicle description given by eye witness statements.

The striking and fleeing vehicle is:

• Late model extended cab, short bed pick-up truck. With 1  ½ doors on each side
• Light colored, possibly white or silver.
• Chrome grill
• The bed has a low profile cover.
• Tinted windows.
• Front end damage, including broken headlight cover.

• Based on examination of vehicle parts recovered from the scene, we are able to narrow down the vehicle description a bit more.

  The striking vehicle is believed to be a 2000 to 2004 Ford Heavy Duty (F250 or larger) Pick-up truck.

  Anybody with information on this accident should call Ferndale Police or they can anonymously phone CRIMESTOPPERS (1-800 SPEAK UP = 800-773-3587) for a $1000 Reward for information leading to an arrest.

The victim was Miriam Scott, a 38 year old woman who had walked away from a group home. According to witnesses, she was walking across a dimly lit area of 8 Mile road at Pinecrest, and she appeared to be oblivious to traffic when she stepped in front of the pick-up truck.

Ferndale police are still hoping the driver will contact the department (248-541-3650). It appears that this was a tragic accident in which the driver was not at fault. The driver may have panicked and fled even though they may not have been to blame. If this is the case, we urge them to help clear this matter up rather than allowing a felony investigation to continue which may result in their arrest.   Anybody else with information should phone the Ferndale Police Department.