AKRON, Ohio — Akron Police are looking for the driver of a vehicle that struck a pedestrian early Thursday morning, throwing her nearly 80 feet and causing life-threatening injuries.
At about 12:52 a.m., an unknown vehicle traveling east in the curb lane in the 200 block of East Market Street struck 62-year-old Debbie Weihrauch, who was crossing the roadway, according to Akron Police. She was thrown upon impact and sustained critical injuries.
The vehicle driver continued to head east and left the scene, police said. Weihrauch was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
A witness to the incident described the vehicle as a silver SUV of unknown make or model.
Police said speed contributed to the crash, which remains under investigation.
Weihrauch's friend, Pete Conley, is worried about her, saying she's fighting for her life at Summa Akron City Hospital. According to Conley, Weihrauch works side jobs cleaning houses and is very sweet and caring. He believes the driver who hit her and then took off must be the opposite.
"It's absolutely insane. He deserves to be caught; pay for his actions," Conley said.
Akron Police Capt. Dave Laughlin said there are no suspects at this time, and just like Weihrauch's friends, he doesn't understand how someone could be so callous.
"That's just so inhumane," Laughlin said. "The simple answer is — just stop. It's an accident. It's a crash. Just stop. Render aid to the person. Call police. Do something. Don't just drive away and leave somebody there to possibly die in the streets of Akron."
Police are checking cameras along Market Street to see if any captured video of the hit-skip vehicle.
"Obviously, we do have some of our Flock cameras that we can use, business cameras, and just reaching out to people in that area," Laughlin said.
And whether you talk to the police or Weihrauch's friends, the message to the driver remains the same.
"Whoever did this, you need to turn yourself in," Laughlin said.
"My message would be: pick up the phone and call. I mean, turn yourself in. You're gonna get caught. I mean, it's just a matter of time," Conley added.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 33-375-2TIP. Information can also be provided anonymously to the Summit County Crimestoppers by calling 330-434-COPS or texting TIPSCO with your tips to 274637.
