Caldwell County deputies find car involved in fatal hit-and-run; no sign of driver

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities said they are looking for whoever hit and killed 22-year-old Daniel Davis in Caldwell County Thursday morning.

State troopers and Caldwell County sheriff’s deputies were on the scene around 7:15 a.m. along Clarks Chapel Road near Tarheel Place, south of Lenoir.

The Highway Patrol told Channel 9 they are investigating the deadly collision as a hit-and-run.

Breaking Caldwell- the highway patrol says it did find small pieces of the car at the scene. They believe the hit and run happened at night during the rain and the driver may have thought they struck a deer. They’re hoping that driver comes foward. pic.twitter.com/3VLaT2U0hy
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) November 15, 2018

Around 10:30 a.m., deputies said they found small pieces of a car near the scene, which eventually led them to the car they believe was involved in the hit-and-run, but there was still no sign of the driver.

A Toyota Corolla was found abandoned in a church parking lot less than a half-mile from the crash scene with a damaged windshield.

Officials said the man who was hit was found about 25 feet off the roadway in a field.

Neighbor Vance Perkins said he spotted Davis walking along the road near his home hours before the accident.

Breaking Caldwell County- sheriff deputies and the highway patrol have found the car they believe was involved in the hit and run. They are still searching for the driver. The latest on the investigation on eyewitness news at noon and five. pic.twitter.com/wOCNOOqHje
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) November 15, 2018

“I thought it was dangerous, especially with the dark clothing, because everybody flies on this road,” said Perkins.

Troopers think the collision happened when it was dark and raining and said they found tire tracks near the body, which indicate the car stopped after the collision. Investigators believe that the driver then put the car in reverse and tried to leave, but they didn't get far.

“I heard a little white car go up the highway real slow with its flashers on. It was thumping like it had a flat tire,” said neighbor Virgil Abernethy.

Officials hope the driver comes forward and explains why there was no call for help.

Clarks Chapel Road was closed while law enforcement investigated.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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