Pontiac, MI (August 18, 2024) – Emergency responders from Pontiac Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene of a critical hit-and-run crash late Sunday night that left one man severely injured. The collision occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 17 at the intersection of Perry Street and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.
According to reports, a 911 caller alerted authorities after discovering a man lying motionless in the roadway, suffering from extensive bleeding and barely responsive. First responders, including paramedics and local fire crews, worked swiftly to stabilize the victim and transport him for emergency medical treatment. He remains in critical condition.
Witness accounts suggest that a white work truck was traveling northbound on Perry Street when it struck the man, who was reportedly using the crosswalk at the time. The driver did not stop and fled the scene, sparking an active investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
The injured man has not yet been identified but is described as Hispanic and believed to be in his late teens or early twenties. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the vehicle or driver to come forward.
This marks the seventh hit-and-run crash resulting in serious or fatal injuries in Pontiac so far this year. Two previous incidents, occurring on July 3 and August 5 on Baldwin Avenue, tragically ended in fatalities. In both cases, the drivers fled before law enforcement could arrive.
Our thoughts are with the young man and his loved ones during this difficult time. We hope for a full and swift recovery.
Hit-and-Run Accidents in Michigan
As seen in Sunday’s devastating crash, hit-and-run accidents remain a troubling issue across Michigan communities. In Pontiac alone, this latest incident reflects a dangerous trend—with seven serious hit-and-run collisions occurring since the start of the year. Two of those crashes proved fatal, and all have left families and communities searching for justice and healing.
The Perry Street and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard intersection, a typically busy urban corridor, has now become the site of one of the city’s most recent tragedies. The victim—a young, unidentified Hispanic man—was using a designated crosswalk when he was struck. The fact that this incident occurred in a well-lit area and involved a white work truck, a vehicle that may be recognizable, provides investigators with potential leads. Still, until the responsible driver is identified, residents remain on edge.
Michigan law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop and provide assistance. Fleeing the scene not only endangers victims further but constitutes a serious crime that carries significant legal consequences. The persistence of such violations—especially those involving pedestrians—highlights a need for both increased enforcement and community awareness.
Beyond enforcement, resources play a crucial role in post-accident response. Victims and their families often require medical, financial, and legal support to navigate the aftermath of these traumatic events. Community organizations and trauma recovery centers throughout Oakland County offer critical assistance, but awareness of these resources remains limited. Ensuring access to care, especially for unidentified or underinsured individuals, is an ongoing challenge.
As law enforcement continues to investigate this hit-and-run and others like it, the public’s role in providing tips or surveillance footage may prove vital. Every detail—no matter how small—can help bring accountability and healing. Additionally, awareness campaigns, infrastructure improvements at busy crossings, and targeted public safety initiatives can help reduce the frequency of such tragedies.
If you or someone you know has any information about the white work truck or its driver from the Perry Street crash, contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
No one should be left alone on the road. If you’ve been affected by a similar accident or are looking for support after a crash, Local Accident Reports is here to connect you with the help you need. Whether it’s navigating recovery, understanding your options, or staying informed, we’re committed to making sure no victim or family faces the aftermath alone.
