A man was killed on the morning of April 8 in Helena after a hit-and-run crash. The car accident, which occurred on Custer Avenue, involved a vehicle striking both the man and another pedestrian as they attempted to cross the street during the early morning hours.

The 50-year-old man, who was known for walking throughout the town, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of multiple traumatic injuries sustained during the accident, according to police officials. He had not only been hit by the first vehicle, but the man had also been struck by two subsequent cars, officers reported. The other pedestrian also suffered severe injuries and he was transported to St. Peter’s Hospital for evaluation and treatment. That man remains in the hospital in fair condition.

The vehicle that initially struck the man was traveling westbound and fled from the scene. The drivers of the other two vehicles that ran over the man stopped after striking him, according to police reports.

Although no arrests have been made, Helena police are interviewing a number of suspects in the hit-and-run case. The investigators have submitted some information to the county attorney’s office for review, a move that they hope will bring about the speedy execution of justice for the person who killed the pedestrian.

Officers say that they have impounded the vehicle that initially struck the man, though they have not yet released the name or age of the suspect. The car reportedly sustained damage to its front panels, including a broken turn signal and headlight. Police have not yet released whether alcohol or drugs played a factor in the accident. The continued investigation has included an autopsy, as well as interviews among witnesses and suspects in the case.

Source: Billings Gazette, “1 man dead, 1 man injured in Helena hit and run,” Angela Brandt, April 8, 2012

Source: Billings Gazette, “Suspected driver interviewed in Helena hit-and-run,” Angela Brandt, April 11, 2012