Driveway hit-and-run remains unsolved

William Joseph Ross, 41, was struck by a box truck or panel van that pulled into his driveway at 11814 Possum Track Road at 9:52 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008, authorities said. He died of his injuries the next day.

Before he died, Ross told authorities that he approached the passenger side of the vehicle and knocked on its door. The passenger looked at Ross and told the driver, "Let's get out of here," authorities said.

“At that point, he (Ross) either rolled over the front of the truck or the vehicle struck him as he was leaving the driveway, which led to his injuries," Trooper Scott Smith said.

A neighbor found Ross lying in the unpaved driveway and called 911, authorities said.

“We arrived on the scene within four minutes,” Chief Ron Roof with Bay Leaf Fire Department said. “He (Ross) was conscious. He was telling us what had happened."

Ross told authorities that two people were inside the white vehicle, which had "The Perfect Store" printed on the side.

The father of two died in surgery the next day.

The vehicle was last seen traveling south on Possum Track Road toward Six Forks Road, authorities said.

Despite the victim’s description of the vehicle, the case remains unsolved nearly a year later.

“No witnesses, it was dark; only thing we have is a victim's statement. And that is all we can go on, and unfortunately, he is deceased,” Smith said. “We don't have anything without the public giving us some kind of information.”

Anyone who witnessed the hit-and-run or might have information that could help solve the case is asked to call the Highway Patrol's Wake County District Office at 919-733-4400.