CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police are asking for the public's help as they try to find the driver who hit and killed a man while he crossed a busy southeast Charlotte road earlier this week.
Officials said 21-year-old Harvey Pettis IV did not survive after he was hit by a truck around 10 p.m. Monday along Idlewild Road.
Detectives said Pettis was crossing the road near Cresthill Drive to visit a friend when he was struck and was thrown 70 feet in the air.
Family members went to the scene of his death Thursday, dropping flowers and mourning together. They also brought a poster with a few messages.
“Just take innocent people lives away and he didn’t even stop for my brother,” the victim’s sister, Ayanna Murray, said.
Authorities made another push for leads in the case and hope to get the family justice soon.
“He was a son, he was a brother, he was a boyfriend and his life was taken from everyone in an instant,” Sgt. Jesse wood with CMPD said.
Authorities said the driver of a white pickup truck with a loud exhaust drove off after the collision and detectives hope the public can help them find that driver.
They believe the suspect was likely driving a 2014 or 2015 white Ford F-150 with black bumpers. Detectives said the truck may be raised higher than factory height and will have large tires.
Detectives estimate the truck was speeding at 60 mph in a 45 mph zone and said there was no indication the driver ever hit the brakes before impact.
Police think the vehicle may have front-end damage and possible headlight damage. The left-side mirror will be damaged or missing. Police said the truck will have dents and was last seen with a lot of mud in the fenders area.
Pettis' friend Barry Phillips said that stretch of Idlewild is dangerous. He reports his mailbox has been hit four times.
"Every time, like right now, when I am cutting this grass, I'm watching over my shoulder."
Carla Lewis said she is new to the area, but given last night's incident, she has no interest in crossing this section of Idlewild.
"I mean I have two small kids so I would have to go across with them and I wouldn't feel safe."
No arrests have been made involving this incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 704-334-1600.
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