RUSSELL, Russell County, Kan., Nov. 9, 2026 — Two pedestrians were hurt early on Saturday morning, November 7, when a vehicle struck them and left the scene at 5th Street and Copeland Street in Russell, according to the Russell Police Department.
The Russell Police Department said officers and Russell County EMS were sent to the intersection around 2:01 a.m. for a man who had been hit by a vehicle. A Russell County Sheriff's deputy also responded. While crews were on the way, dispatchers received word that a woman had also been struck in the same incident.
Both pedestrians were taken from the scene to Russell Regional Hospital. One was later transferred by ambulance to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. The extent of their injuries has not been released.
Investigators located the truck they believe was involved in the incident in the 1400 block of N. Kansas Street and seized it as evidence. Police said they developed probable cause that Seth Morse, 35, of Russell, was driving the truck that struck the two pedestrians and then left without stopping. Morse was arrested and booked into the Russell County Jail on two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of failing to report an injury crash, and reckless driving.
The case will be sent to the Russell County Attorney's office for formal charges. Morse is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The incident remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Intersection Crashes in Kansas
This pedestrian crash happened at 5th Street and Copeland Street in Russell, KS. Our Kansas intersections page covers intersection crashes across Kansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor, and make sure the incident is reported to local police so an official record exists.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In most states, including Kansas, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way over vehicles, though drivers and walkers both share a duty to watch for each other.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries are common when a vehicle strikes a person, since pedestrians have no protection from the impact.
