SLCPD investigating two unrelated hit-and-runs, one man dead

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating two unrelated hit-and-runs. Police say both hit-and-runs took place early Sunday morning.

According to a press release, the first investigation began at 1:43 a.m.

Police report learning of a 31-year-old  male on the ground near 700 E. 500 S. According to the press release, he died at the scene.

In connection to the incident, SLCPD is searching for a “smaller, dark-colored Chevy truck” with front-end damage. According to the press release, a preliminary investigation shows the truck moving southbound on 700 E., hitting the man while he was in a crosswalk. The driver did not stop.

The name of the 31-year-old male has not been released at this time.

This incident marks the first traffic-related fatality in the city for 2023.

Second hit-and-run

Also occurring Sunday morning, two teens were hit by a truck in downtown Salt Lake City.

According to the press release, the investigation began at 4:48 a.m. when police got information about two individuals on the ground near  1300 S. West Temple.

SLCPD says an off-duty lieutenant was in the area at the time and promptly responded to the scene. Along with this, the Salt Lake City Fire Department responded, telling police that based on the injuries, the two people had likely been hit and dragged by the vehicle.

Following this, the press release states the 13 and 14-year-old victims were transported to an area hospital. Police say the teens had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

SLCPD report, a preliminary investigation shows the teens were in a crosswalk when a “dark-colored truck” driving westbound on 1300 S. hit them. The driver did not stop.

Arrests in connection to either of the unrelated hit-and-runs have not been made at this time.

Police say that, although the descriptions for the trucks are similar, the incidents are believed to be unrelated.

Chief Brown: “This is unacceptable”

SLCPD Chief Mike Brown says he is very concerned about what is happening on the city’s roadways.

“Since Friday, four people have been hurt in our city while crossing the street,” Brown says in a press release. “And sadly, overnight, a man died when a truck hit him and left him in the street. This is unacceptable.”

Brown says officers are working to continue talking about and enforcing traffic laws but in the end, it is up to drivers to keep the roads safe.

“No matter how you use our roadways, there must be individual responsibility and a personal commitment to safe driving and safe use of our roads.”

Related: Provo Police looking for information about two cars in deadly hit-and-run

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