GARNER, N.C. — Garner police are offering a $500 reward for any information leading to the identity of the person responsible for a fatal hit-and-run accident early Wednesday morning.

Investigators said 50-year-old Johnnie Ray Pilkington left his room at the Suburban Lodge sometime after 1:30 a.m. heading toward the Crown gas station at South Wilmington Street and Tryon Road. Police said that at about 4:30 a.m., a driver saw Pilkington's body in a ditch on Highway 70 near Mechanical Boulevard.

"We understand that it may have been raining heavily during the time of the accident," said Detective Grant Davis. "We believe that this could have easily been accidental, but we need the person to come forward so we can provide closure to Johnnie Pilkington's family."

Investigators are looking for a vehicle with damage to the hood and front bumper area and possibly a broken windshield. They believe the person operating the vehicle may have called out sick from work on Wednesday and may be driving a different car than usual. Authorities also think the person responsible may try to conceal the vehicle in a garage or under a cover or tarp.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Garner Police Department at

(919) 772-8810

or

CrimeStoppers

at

(919) 226.CRIME

.