Barnes County, ND – Investigators are releasing new details Wednesday as they continue searching for the vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 27-year-old pedestrian along Interstate 94 west of Valley City late last weekend.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP), evidence recovered at the crash scene near mile marker 282 eastbound suggests the suspect vehicle sustained noticeable front-end damage. Authorities emphasize that the public should focus on damage characteristics, not vehicle color, as the color, exact make, and model remain unconfirmed.
NDHP says the vehicle is believed to have damage to the front bumper and passenger-side front quarter panel. A large portion of a bug deflector was found at the scene and later reconstructed by investigators. Based on that part and the damage pattern, troopers believe the vehicle may be an early- to mid-2000s Ford F-150 or Ford F-250.
Investigators also believe a black plastic piece measuring approximately 7 inches by 4 inches may be missing from behind the bumper on the passenger side. In addition, a 1-inch chrome-colored piece may be missing from the headlight assembly.
The crash occurred sometime after midnight Sunday, December 21. Earlier that night, multiple 911 calls reported a man walking along I-94. Law enforcement made contact with him, but he declined assistance. The final call was logged around 10:55 p.m. His body was discovered in the ditch around 2:30 p.m. Sunday by a passerby.
The victim’s identity and residence have not been released.
Anyone who may have seen a pickup truck with recent front-end damage — or who recognizes the described damage — is urged to contact NDHP at 701-328-2447 or ndhpsafetyedu@nd.gov, referencing case #2025008312. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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