New Haven police said Monday the victim in a fatal hit and run crash was searching for her missing dog. The dog was later found uninjured.
Police said just after 1:30 AM, they received multiple 911 calls of a pedestrian struck on Whalley Avenue between Davis Street and Anthony Street.
"Prior to the accident, investigators believe the pedestrian was walking in the area not far from her home. According to a witness, the 68-year-old woman was looking for her small dog. As the woman crossed Whalley Avenue, the first westbound vehicle struck her and then turned left to travel south on Anthony Street," said Capt. Anthony Duff.
"Investigators have not yet confirmed if two additional westbound vehicles struck the injured victim in the roadway. The second vehicle continued west on Whalley Avenue. The third vehicle turned right to travel north on East Ramsdell Street."
When they arrived, crews found the 68-year-old New Haven woman lying in the roadway. She was pronounced dead on scene.
While officers were on the scene, a small dog belonging to the woman was found. The dog is being cared for at the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter.
NHPD Major Crimes detectives, Bureau of Identification forensic detectives, and the Accident Reconstruction Team responded to the location.
Officers held a crime scene for several hours. The streets have since been reopened.
Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are asked to call New Haven detectives at 203-946-6304.
