Pedestrian killed in Phoenix hit-and-run

Authorities seek driver who fled the scene after striking a man late at night

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:53pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car side mirror reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident.The aftermath of a hit-and-run collision in Phoenix exposes the urgent need for driver accountability and road safety.Phoenix Today

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle in Phoenix late Thursday night, and the driver fled the scene, according to police. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of 16th Street and Thomas Road.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are an ongoing public safety issue in Phoenix, with the city seeing a high number of such incidents in recent years. This tragedy highlights the need for drivers to remain at the scene and cooperate with authorities when involved in a collision.

The details

Police responded to the intersection after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. They found the victim, an unidentified man, suffering from critical injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. The driver who struck the man fled the scene before police arrived and has not been located.

  • The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Phoenix Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the hit-and-run incident.

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What’s next

Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and asking anyone with information about the incident or the driver to come forward.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run highlights the need for all drivers to remain at the scene of a collision and cooperate with authorities. Phoenix has seen an increase in such incidents, underscoring the importance of road safety and accountability.