Suspect expected to be charged in motor vehicle homicide

Falls police are reportedly close to charging a suspect tied to an early Tuesday morning murder.

Law enforcement sources tell the Gazette that Criminal Investigation Division (CID) detectives have identified a man they believe is responsible for "running over, multiple times" a male victim at about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of Hyde Park Boulevard.

Sources say the suspect has refused to speak with investigators.

Falls Police patrol officers responded to a call of a "pedestrian struck by a vehicle" in the area of 287 Hyde Park Blvd., near D Street. The first officers on the scene said they found the victim, "unresponsive" and lying in the street.

The victim was treated by medical personnel but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Witnesses reportedly told detectives that the victim had been involved in a "fight with several other people." After the victim was left lying in the street, the witnesses told police, that a suspect got into an SUV and ran the victim over with the vehicle. Video of the incident reportedly shows the suspect driving over the victim, reversing his vehicle back over the victim and then driving over the victim again.

The suspect was last seen driving away from the scene. Described as a black 2009 Ford Escape, with New York license plates, the vehicle was later recovered in the 3500 block of Royal Avenue.

Police have not released the victim's name though he is reportedly "not from the Falls."

CID, Crash Investigation Unit (CIU), and Crime Scene Unit (CSU) detectives are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them at 716-286-4553 or the NFPD General Information Number at 716-286-4711.