Pedestrian in Fatal Salem Hit and Run Identified

Anyone with information regarding the death of Mr. Cruz are asked to contact Detective Martin Bennett at (503) 566-6927.

62-year old Albert Cruz Photo: Marion County Sheriff

(SALEM, Ore.) - Investigators in Salem have identified the pedestrian fatality victim in an early morning hit and run incident Saturday, as 62-year old Albert Cruz. They say the identification was based upon fingerprints and photographs.

Marion County Sheriff's Office Lt. Bob Stai, says deputies found a pedestrian laying down in the 700 block of Lancaster Drive SE on December 15th at 2:30 AM. The Sheriff's Office had been notified by a passing motorist who had seen the pedestrian laying in the southbound traffic lane.

The first deputies on the scene found that the pedestrian, a white male adult in his early 60's, was not breathing and he was determined to be dead.

Stai says that based upon the location of the body and vehicle debris in the area, it appeared an unknown type of vehicle had struck Mr. Cruz. At this time a vehicular homicide investigation is being conducted by the Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Team and detective units.

An autopsy determined that Mr. Cruz died as a result of the injuries he sustained from being struck by a vehicle. Mr. Cruz had no permanent address and based upon his dress and arrest record, it appear he was homeless.

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Mr. Cruz has been in the Salem area for at least the past two years and has had frequent contact with law enforcement for misdemeanor type offenses such as trespassing. Marion County Sheriff's Office detectives have been unable to locate any next of kin.

The investigation into the death of Mr. Cruz is ongoing. Physical evidence located at the scene and upon Mr. Cruz's body is being evaluated and process in an attempt to identify the involved vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding the death of Mr. Cruz are asked to contact Detective Martin Bennett at (503) 566-6927.