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SALT LAKE CITY — One woman was killed and at least five others were hospitalized after a vehicle struck them in what police called a hit-and-run incident Tuesday night.
Salt Lake City police Lt. Justin Hudson said shortly after 6 p.m., police were dispatched to a call of a vehicle traveling on the sidewalk at a high rate of speed, striking people. When police arrived at 200 S. 465 West, Hudson said six people were on the ground injured.
Fire crews arrived and started CPR on a woman who was struck, but died at the scene, Hudson said. The victim's identity was not released. Hudson said one person was hospitalized in critical condition and four others were hospitalized in stable condition.
Hudson described the driver involved in the incident as 5-foot-5 adult Caucasian woman wearing a red tank top and blue jean shorts. Witnesses told police the driver “immediately jumped out of the car, looked at what she had done and ran northbound on 400 West,” Hudson said.
The vehicle came to a stop after striking a nearby tree. Police were investigating if the woman got on a TRAX train shortly after fleeing the scene.
Hudson said police were closing in on the driver’s identity.
“We’re getting there. We’re pretty sure we know owns it (vehicle) ... who was driving it actually,” Hudson said.
Hudson said police were talking to a female passenger who was in the vehicle involved.
“We are talking to her right now … trying to get her to identify who the driver was,” Hudson said.
Hudson said it’s possible the hit-and-run was intentional, but police are still investigating. All lanes in the area were closed as police continued the investigation.
Hudson said police are still trying to figure out what led the woman to drive and strike down the pedestrians.
“I don't think we're exactly sure why she was driving up the sidewalk at this point,” Hudson said. “We don't know if she was possibly DUI or what."
As of late Tuesday night, the driver was still not located. Hudson urged the driver to come forward.
“If this person is listening, we’d like her to just come talk to us,” he said.
Salt Lake City police said anyone who witnessed the incident or knows the whereabouts of the driver is asked to call 801-799-3000 with any information.
