CHARLOTTE, N.C. — East Charlotte residents living near Lawyers Road said the area is dangerous for pedestrians.
Police say a driver hit a man Friday night as the man was walking in the direction of traffic going toward Meadow Glen Drive along Lawyers Road.
There are no sidewalks or crosswalks near where the pedestrian was struck.
“It's not safe at all. They need sidewalks bad,” said Kent Hooks, who lives nearby.
Police said Eric Ryan Elsea was hit by a car that failed to stop at the scene.
His body was found on Lawyers Road in the Hickory Grove area of east Charlotte.
Police said Elsea was not wearing any reflective clothing as he walked late Friday toward traffic. The street where he was hit has overhead lights but no sidewalk or shoulder.
"It’s terrible. I've seen, I've almost hit people numerous times,” Hooks said.
Police said Elsea died within minutes of officers responding.
Police said they are working to determine if speed was a factor in the crash. They also believe the pedestrian may have had alcohol in his system.
Officers are still looking for the driver, who left the scene.
“You should never hit someone and drive off,” said Winston Dawson, who lives nearby.
Detectives are searching for the driver of a white Ford F-350 pickup with a toolbox in the bed that may have been involved in the fatal accident.
Channel 9 spoke to people who walk through the grassy area often, since there is no sidewalk.
"I wish there was a sidewalk here because it would help a lot more to give people a sense of where to watch,” Dawson said.
Dawson said he has witnessed many reckless drivers pass through the area.
"At night, normally if there’s a light on the road, I don't even cross,” Dawson said.
Nearby residents are hoping the city gives the street some attention.
“I think a sidewalk is needed, because there's one down there, and nothing happens over there,” Hooks said.
If you have any information, police encourage you to call 911.
This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.
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