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LILBURN, Gwinnett County, Ga., Sept. 28, 2026 — A man is facing charges after a hit-and-run crash killed one pedestrian and seriously injured another early on Sunday morning, September 27, on Killian Hill Road in Gwinnett County.
Gwinnett County Police said two people were working on a car that had broken down in the center turn lane just before 4 a.m. when they were struck by a beige Honda Odyssey traveling east on Killian Hill Road. One of the pedestrians, identified by police as 41-year-old Salvador Vargas-Pablo, died at the scene. The second pedestrian was taken to a hospital with serious injuries; that person's identity has not been released.
The driver did not stop. Investigators said they expanded a search of Flock Safety camera footage and identified the suspect vehicle by a distinctive sticker on its rear window. That search reportedly led detectives to the vehicle's registered owner, identified as Trudon Kassansa, who police located in Lilburn.
Kassansa faces several charges, including homicide by vehicle in the first degree, serious injury by vehicle, two counts of hit and run resulting in serious injury or death, and operating a vehicle without two functioning headlights. The case remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
A Common Misconception About Hit-and-Run Crashes
Many people assume hit-and-run drivers flee because they were drunk or otherwise impaired, and that sober drivers almost always stop. Impairment plays a role in some cases, but fear, panic, a suspended license, or simply not knowing what to do in the moment can drive the same behavior. Assuming the driver "must have been drunk" is not something investigators can conclude without evidence.
Another common belief is that hit-and-run cases are rare and unlikely to be solved. Tools like license plate readers and traffic camera networks have made it easier for police to trace a fleeing vehicle even from limited details, such as a sticker or partial plate, well after the driver leaves the scene.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 200,000 vehicle occupants were injured in hit-and-run crashes in 2023. That figure reflects how often these crashes happen, not how often they go unsolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does speed affect whether someone survives a pedestrian crash?
Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of impact. Pedestrians struck by vehicles moving at higher speeds are far less likely to survive than those hit at lower speeds.
Why does it matter whether pedestrians are visible to drivers?
Visibility, lighting, and reflective clothing can affect how quickly a driver notices someone on or near the road, especially at night or in low-light conditions like early morning hours.
What should families do after a fatal hit-and-run crash?
Families can request the official police report once it's completed, ask the investigating agency for updates on the case, and consider contacting a victim advocate for support through the process.
How do police investigate hit-and-run cases?
Investigators often rely on surveillance and traffic camera footage, vehicle debris left at the scene, witness accounts, and vehicle registration records to identify a suspect vehicle and its owner.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Lilburn, GA
If you witness or are involved in a hit-and-run crash, call 911 immediately and try to note any details about the fleeing vehicle, including color, make, direction of travel, and any visible markings. Do not attempt to chase the vehicle yourself.
Seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first, since some injuries from vehicle strikes are not immediately obvious. Cooperate with responding officers and provide a written statement while details are fresh.
If you're a family member of someone involved in this kind of crash, staying in contact with the investigating police department can help you track the case as it moves through the legal system.
