Search continues for driver in hit-and-run killing road worker in St. Clair Shores

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (WXYZ) — The search continues for the driver behind the hit-and-run that killed a road worker on eastbound I-94 in St. Clair Shores Monday.

“There was a large amount of traffic that was out there at the time of the incident occurred. So somebody had to kind of see something," said Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw.

• Road worker killed in hit-and-run crash on eastbound I-94 in St. Clair Shores

It’s what police are hoping for after a 26-year-old road worker from Chesterfield was killed instantly – according to police –when a vehicle struck him just before East 9 Mile on I-94 Monday afternoon.

State police say it happened as the man was near an orange service truck.

“It looks like it was a side swipe hit by one vehicle," said Lt. Shaw. “One of the members of the crew said he heard a thump and as soon as he turned around that’s when he noticed his co-worker laying on the ground.”

This avoidable tragedy is an important reminder to be mindful of the men and women who work on our roadways, MDOT says.

"It hurts, it hurts a lot," said MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross. "Both hands on the wheel, both eyes on the road and that is the only thing you should be doing when your driving, because you are truly risking people’s lives."

It is possible, according to state police, that the suspected driver didn’t realize they’d hit someone. That’s why it’s so important they find and speak with them.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen something to report using the MSP mobile app, or by calling 313-237-2450.
Lt. Mike Shaw told 7 Action News Monday they’d already received some calls.

“A lot of them are describing a white in color box truck that may have been involved in this incident," said Lt. Shaw. "But I don’t want anybody to narrow their focus to that. We are actually looking for witnesses that actually saw the crash if possible.”