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Police Need Help Tracking Down Deadly Hit-And-Run Driver

DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver hope someone has information that will help detectives track down the driver who struck a man walking his bicycle across the street, and then sped away.

The crash happened about 10 p.m. Thursday on South Federal Boulevard between Walsh Place and Ohio Avenue. The 45-year-old man who was walking his bicycle was killed.

Police said the impact was so strong that it knocked the victim into oncoming traffic. Two witnesses, who swerved to avoid hitting the man walking his bike, pulled over and called 911.

deadly hit and run bike
The bike in the deadly hit-and-run (credit: Denver Police)

One of them, Dominique Rodriguez, said the dispatcher instructed her to turn over the victim to see if he was breathing. Rodriguez said he was already gone.

Police have a very limited description of the driver.

"This person hit this individual and just fled. They was probably driving at a fair rate of speed based on what we're seeing here," said Denver Police Spokesman Sonny Jackson.

The coroner's office has not released the victim's name. Rodriguez said it's horrible that the driver did not stop.

ford explorer
A picture of a Ford Explorer , not the actual vehicle in the hit-and-run. (credit: Denver Police)

The vehicle that sped away is described as a 2002-2004 model year Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer, dark in color.

"We believe this vehicle has front-end damage by striking the man as well as the bicycle. We believe it definitely did damage to the front of the car considering he also dragged the bike for a distance as well," said Jackson.

mercury mountaineer
An example of a Mercury Mountaineer, not the actual vehicle in the hit-and-run (credit: Denver Police)

The vehicle is expected to have damage to the driver's side corner around the headlight.

Police said even if the collision was an accident, the fact that the driver fled means that he or she will face felony charges.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes or recognizes the suspect in the sketch is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). You can text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter your message or send an e-mail to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com. If the information you provide leads to the arrest and charging of a wanted individual, you can receive a cash reward up to $2,000.

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