INDIANAPOLIS — A man was hit and killed by a car on Indianapolis' west side Monday morning.
IMPD officers responded to the 8000 block of West Washington Street, west of Girls School Road, around 5:45 a.m. for a report of a pedestrian struck.
Police confirmed to 13News that a person died in the incident.
Police believe the victim was walking across the street when they were hit by a car. According to police, the driver who hit the person stayed at the scene, but another car fled the scene.
Police said multiple cars were involved in the incident, and one driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Heather Gilchrist was on her way to work Monday morning when she said she witnessed a driver hit the man crossing the street. She said she tried to help the victim before the police arrived.
“I’ve been pretty emotional and shaken up by it. That’s something I don’t ever want to see again,” she said.
The Marion County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as 60-year-old Kevin D. Himsel.
This is at least the fourth pedestrian hit and killed in Indianapolis within the last few days.
As of early July, about 141 pedestrians were hit by a car this year in Indianapolis and at least 15 people have died. IMPD could not give updated numbers as of Monday evening.
“For our city, you are required by law to stop after being involved in an accident,” said Officer Samone Burris with IMPD. “People not staying on scene to render aid or be accountable for your actions is not acceptable and it’s not OK for our city and our community.”
Just a few weeks ago, the city announced a new project to improve pedestrian safety. It’s a $4.5 million investment that will include ADA-compliant ramps, sidewalks, crosswalks and street signals.
On Monday, Indy DPW said several upgrades are already done. The project is focusing on the downtown and southeastern neighborhoods near the Red Line district.