Local News

Smithfield Man Victim Of Apparent Hit-And-Run

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SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Smithfield police say a man found in a ditch early Wednesday was likely the victim of a hit-and-run.

Police say the body of Kenneth Ray Pilkington, 50, of Smithfield, was discovered by a passerby along the 1300 block of Industrial Park Drive in front of the Channel Master plant around 6:30 a.m.

Industrial Park Drive is located about 1/4 mile from Interstate 95, near the outlet mall.

"Evidence located at the scene points to a hit-and run -- the location of the body, the position it was in, and there was fragments of car parts on the ground," Capt. Bruce Gentry said.

Police say there is no evidence at the scene to lead investigators to a specific vehicle or driver.

"The best we can hope for right now is to identify the make and model of the vehicle," Gentry said.

Officials are looking for a dark-green 1988 to 1995 Dodge Dakota with a missing radio antenna, missing right rear-view mirror and heavy damage to its right front side.

Anyone with information is urged to call Smithfield police at (919)989-5056.

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