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Police: Don’t leave the scene of a crash

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Investigators are warning drivers against leaving the scene of a crash after recent hit and run cases.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said so far this year there have been 902 hit-and-run crashes. Eighty-five have resulted in injuries.

In 2015, police responded to 4,828 hit-and-runs; 476 resulted in injuries and 18 were fatal.

For one family their loved one is still recovering almost 9 months later.

Family of Jordan Offutt, 24, is praying she’ll make a full recovery. Her brother-in-law declined an on-camera interview, but he told 24 Hour News 8 she’s now home.

He said she can’t speak or process what’s going on because of her injuries.

The driver was caught more than a week after the crash.

“Just the frustrations that somebody would hit another person with a car and leave them on the side of the road to die,” said Sgt. Doug Heustis, crash coordinator for IMPD. “I mean, the thought of that is a really troubling thought.”

Heustis said investigators rely on evidence at the scene, surveillance video and witnesses to help them identify the driver in most of these cases.

“I think the idea that you would drive a car, hit somebody and drive off without stopping upsets a lot of people,” Heustis said. “People are very willing to come forward to tell us about what they do know even if it’s just a little bit.”

Heustis said the department saw a spike in the number of deadly hit-and-runs last year — 18. Investigators said so far this year there has been one.

Close friends of Jonathan Macklin said they’re praying for closure. It was last May when the 25-year-old was hit and killed while riding his motorcycle.

Surveillance video captured an SUV leaving the scene. Friends said the driver has not been caught.

“Honestly, come up and step up and say, “Hey, you know, I did it, but it’s just kind of disappointing that you have somebody who actually run around here living a lie,” said Tyrelle Collins, victim’s friend.

If you have any information that could help police you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262- TIPS.

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