Akron police have identified a person of interest and recovered the vehicle believed to have been involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 38-year-old man last month.
According to an update released Thursday by Akron police Lt. Michael Murphy, investigators located and recovered the suspected vehicle Saturday, Oct. 3, following the release of surveillance images captured by Flock cameras.
The vehicle is currently being held for processing as investigators continue examining evidence related to the death of Jesse McCool.
Police have also identified a person of interest in the investigation and are working with the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office to determine what criminal charges may be appropriate.
Authorities have not publicly identified the person of interest or announced any charges.
The fatal crash occurred Sept. 26 at approximately 10:22 p.m. near the intersection of South Main Street and East Miller Avenue.
Police responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
Investigators determined that McCool was crossing South Main Street when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver continued traveling without stopping.
Akron Fire Department paramedics transported McCool to Cleveland Clinic Akron General with serious injuries.
Despite efforts to save his life, McCool died the following evening, Sept. 27, at approximately 9:43 p.m.
Witnesses initially described the vehicle involved as a black SUV. However, further investigation and images obtained through Flock cameras led authorities to identify the suspected vehicle as a tan Cadillac SRX.
Police subsequently released an image of the SUV to the public while seeking assistance identifying the vehicle and its driver.
Thursday’s announcement marks a significant development in the investigation, with detectives now in possession of the suspected vehicle and working with prosecutors to determine potential charges.
The investigation remains ongoing.
