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Richmond, VA (June 30, 2026) – A man using a motorized wheelchair died after being struck from behind by a vehicle that fled the scene near Nine Mile Road and Echo Avenue early on Sunday morning, June 28. Police were called to the intersection at 3:45 a.m.
Officers found the man on the sidewalk with obvious signs of trauma and pronounced him dead at the scene. His wheelchair was located a short distance away. He has been identified as 65-year-old Larry Wilkerson.
Wilkerson was crossing Echo Avenue on the sidewalk in his wheelchair when he was struck from behind. The driver did not stay at the site.
Investigators believe the vehicle involved may be a white Honda from the early 2000s, with damage to the front passenger side and a missing headlight. Anyone with information is asked to contact Henrico Police or Crime Stoppers.
The crash remains under active investigation. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the man who lost his life.
How Do Investigators Identify a Hit-and-Run Vehicle From Physical Evidence?
When a vehicle strikes someone and leaves the scene, investigators rely heavily on debris left behind to narrow down the make, model, and approximate age of the vehicle. Broken headlight pieces, paint transfer, and plastic fragments from bumpers or trim can all provide clues about a vehicle’s identity, even without witness accounts.
Damage patterns also help investigators understand the type of impact that occurred. A missing headlight or specific area of front-end damage can indicate where contact was made, which can later be matched against a recovered vehicle to confirm involvement in a particular case.
Mobility device users, including wheelchair users, can face an increased risk on sidewalks near roadways, particularly at night when visibility is reduced. Investigators reviewing these cases examine lighting conditions, vehicle speed, and whether the person was within a marked crossing area at the time of the collision.
