Barberton 2020 grad killed in hit-skip crash; Akron PD seek public’s help

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH NICHOLAS 

Richard Williams played for the Magics football team. He was struck by a vehicle March 4 and died the next day in the hospital. Akron Police are asking for the public’s help in the case.

 

BGNN staff report

AKRON  A 23-year-old man was killed in a hit-skip crash and Akron Police are seeking help from the public in the case.

The pedestrian was identified as Richard Williams, of Akron.

Williams is a Barberton High 2020 grad who played on the Magics varsity football team.

The Summit County Medical Examiner and the Akron Police Department are investigating the March 4 fatal hit-skip crash that occurred at about 10:35 p.m. First responders responded to the area of Russell Avenue and Laurel Avenue for the reported crash involving a pedestrian, according to a release from the medical examiner’s office. 

Upon arrival, officers located the man who had sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle traveling westbound on Russell Avenue, according to an Akron Police news release. He was lying on the ground unresponsive, the medical examiner’s release states. He was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center where he later died from his injuries at 10:08 a.m. March 5, according to the medical examiner’s release.

The driver involved fled the scene following the crash, according to the APD news release. Investigators believe the suspect vehicle may be a white or silver 2021-2025 Kia, possibly a Sportage, with damage to the passenger-side headlight, mirror, hood, and possibly the windshield.

The Akron Police Department Accident Reconstruction Unit is actively investigating the incident, the release states. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit at 330-375-2506. Anonymous information may be provided to The Summit County Crimestoppers: call 330-434-COPS; text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637; download the Akron Police Department app and submit information by texting Tips411or by accessing the link at website www.AkronCops.org.