Polk County, IA (July 30, 2026) – A pedestrian was struck by a black SUV on Wednesday evening, July 29, at the intersection of East 32nd Street and Easton Boulevard in Des Moines, and the driver fled before emergency crews arrived, according to initial reports. The intersection sits on Des Moines’ east side, in a mostly residential area near Easton Boulevard’s commercial corridor.
Emergency crews responded to treat the injured pedestrian. The extent of the injuries was not confirmed in the initial report. The search for the driver remains active, and no further details were available.
We hope for a full recovery for the person who was hurt.
Why Are Evening Hours Riskier for Pedestrians at Intersections?
Evening hours can be a particularly risky time for pedestrians at busy intersections, since fading daylight makes it harder for drivers to spot someone crossing the street. Streetlights and headlights help, but they don’t always provide enough contrast to make a person clearly visible, especially if they’re wearing dark clothing.
Intersections with multiple lanes in each direction can also add risk, since a pedestrian may be visible to a driver in one lane but hidden from a driver in another, a problem sometimes called a multiple-threat crossing. Turning vehicles add another layer of danger, since a driver focused on oncoming traffic may not be watching the crosswalk at the same time.
When a driver leaves after striking someone, it removes the chance for immediate medical help and the only account of what happened. Witnesses who can note a vehicle’s color, direction of travel, or license plate details make a big difference in identifying the driver afterward.
