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Series of Hit-And-Run Accidents Remain Unsolved

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The latest hit and run accident scene
FAYETTEVILLE — Fayetteville police are working to solvea series of hit and run accidents. Most only resulted in damaged property,but some left innocent people hurt, so investigators are turning up the heat.

Tracking down hit-and-run suspects can be a full time job, according toInvestigator Rick Shannon of the Fayetteville Police Department. He saysthe job is frustrating, but it has its rewards.

Every month, the police department investigates close to 150hit-and-runs, only a handful of which are ever solved.

Officer Shannon's latest case involves a 19-year-old who was hitby a car and seriously injured while riding a bicycle on Bunce Road.Shannon says they do have some information about the vehicle that struckthe boy.

The biggest problem with most of these accidents is that theyusually happen on isolated roads where there are seldom witnesses. Thatleaves little for police to go on. Six officers work full-time looking foreven the smallest clue that could lead to an arrest. The challenge, saysShannon, is to catch the drivers.

Last year in Fayetteville 12 people died in hit and run accidents.

Photographer:Mike Joyner

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