Franklin police release photo of SUV suspected in hit-and-run
FRANKLIN, Ind (WISH) — Franklin police are releasing a photo of a vehicle believed to be involved in a hit-and-run accident back in January. The accident left three people seriously injured.
One of those victims is Grant Black.
Black spends his days mostly confined to a Lazy Boy in his living room. As bad as that may seem, it’s progress. He can get around, and it won’t be long before he’s able to walk again.
“I can move around, maneuver around a little bit better than the last time we spoke,” he said.
24-Hour News 8 last interviewed Black back in February — from his hospital bed. He was unable to stand for more than a few seconds after being smashed in a hit-and-run crash in Franklin on Jan. 23. According to police, a driver rear-ended Black at a high rate of speed, pushing him into oncoming traffic. That driver then left the scene.
“The day of the wreck, everyone was rushing to the scene and this person was able to get away. No one was looking for that particular vehicle,” said Black.
But, as he regains his strength, he and his wife, Teairra, shift their focus to the person responsible.
“It’s nice to have him home. It’s more normal. But, the closure still is not there from the whole wreck, because this person is still out there,” she said.
Police are hoping the photo will generate leads. The vehicle matches a description provided by witnesses. The SUV was captured by surveillance video thanks to a nearby business just minutes after the crash.
“Who is the suspect? Who was driving that vehicle? Getting that picture out there, hopefully, someone will recognize it and think, ‘OK. I better call them and let them know who this is,’” said Detective Adam Joseph of the Franklin Police Department.
For the Blacks, it’s not just about them.
“This could be your family member next time, and you might not be as lucky to have them come out of the ICU at Methodist,” said Teairra.
Police believe the vehicle in question is a 2002-2005 Toyota Rav 4 and is either silver or tan. Witnesses told investigators that it had front end damage and that the bumper was loose.
If you have any information that could help in this investigation, call the Franklin Police Department at (317) 736-3670. Authorities are offering a $1,000 reward.
