Pedestrian Killed in Lincoln City Hit-and-Run

Driver later turned himself in to police after fleeing the scene

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 80-year-old Lincoln City resident was struck and killed by a vehicle on Highway 101 in Lincoln City on February 20th. The driver, 45-year-old Juan Antonio Suarez Jimenez, fled the scene but later turned himself in to the Lincoln City Police Department two days later. Suarez Jimenez was arrested and charged with Failure to Perform Duties of Driver to Injured Persons, a Class B felony.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents are a serious problem in many communities, often leaving victims without justice and raising concerns about public safety on local roads. This case highlights the importance of witnesses, surveillance cameras, and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in tracking down suspects who flee the scene of a deadly accident.

The details

According to the Lincoln City Police Department, officers responded to the scene on February 20th where they found the 80-year-old victim, Joseph Koffend, injured on the street. Koffend was transported to the hospital but later pronounced deceased. Witnesses and video footage helped police identify Suarez Jimenez as the driver, and his vehicle was later located outside of city limits and seized under a search warrant. Suarez Jimenez turned himself in on February 22nd and was arrested and jailed on the felony charge.

  • On February 20, 2026, the incident occurred on Highway 101 in Lincoln City.
  • On February 22, 2026, the suspect turned himself in to the Lincoln City Police Department.

The players

Joseph Koffend

An 80-year-old resident of Lincoln City who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Highway 101.

Juan Antonio Suarez Jimenez

A 45-year-old Lincoln City resident who was identified as the driver who struck and killed Koffend, then fled the scene before turning himself in two days later.

Lincoln City Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, investigated the case, and arrested Suarez Jimenez.

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What they’re saying

“The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the citizens who assisted us in our life-saving efforts, as well as all the help we received in searching for the involved vehicle.”

— Lincoln City Police Department (kval.com)

What’s next

The Lincoln County District Attorney's Office will be reviewing the reports for potential additional charges against Suarez Jimenez.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for drivers to always remain at the scene of an accident, provide aid to any injured parties, and cooperate fully with law enforcement. Hit-and-run incidents erode public trust and leave victims without justice, highlighting the importance of strong laws and enforcement to hold reckless drivers accountable.