Police search for fatal hit and run suspect

Johnston Sun Rise ·

The Johnston Police Department continues to investigate a fatal hit and run accident on Killingly Street that occurred on Monday, May 1, around 8:45 p.m. and is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect.

According to police reports, 63-year-old Deborah Saritelli of Johnston had just left the Killingly Street Cumberland Farms after making a purchase with her adult son and was heading back to her residence when she was fatally struck in the roadway.

“She was struck by an unidentified black vehicle that fled the scene towards Greenville Avenue, and she was being transported to Rhode Island Hospital when she passed away en route,” said Deputy Chief Daniel Parrillo. “She was walking in front of her son, and was a couple steps in the road when she was struck.”

Saritelli was not in a crosswalk at the time of the incident. Limited imagery of the dark-colored two-door sedan in the area of the collision and believed to be the suspect vehicle was obtained by enhancing video surveillance footage from a neighboring business. The department asks for the public’s cooperation to help identify the car. Those that may have witnessed the crash, have additional information or video footage that may be of assistance are asked to contact Johnston Police Officer Chuck Psilopoulos at (401) 231-4210.

“Maybe someone either saw the collision or is familiar with the car, and we can do some follow-ups,” said the deputy chief. “The accident reconstruction team was out there last night collecting evidence from the scene trying to piece together some of the video in the area trying to identify the vehicle. We’re hoping someone maybe passed by the area or maybe someone saw the vehicle flee. Anything that may be helpful, we ask that they just give us a call. You never know, a little piece of information can open up a lot of other doors.”

According to Parrillo, this was the second or third hit-and-run type of incident that has occurred in the area in the last three to four years.

“I think that’s something that maybe we can look into, maybe with the Department of Transportation, to change that crosswalk so it is right across from Cumberland Farms,” said Parrillo, who added that there may be regulations in effect that would come into play for any roadway changes. “The main reason for the current crosswalk in the area is for the [Calef Elementary] school, because children can cross right there.”

While he was unsure why that area had seen an uptick in recent hit-and-run accidents, Parrillo hypothesized that the foot traffic on Killingly Street, combined with space between the lights at Killingly and Borden Avenue and Killingly and Greenville Avenue, which allows cars to pick up speed, may be a contributing factor. He also stated that the department would speak with DOT about lighting or other approaches to create a safer area for pedestrians.