Sunday Night Hit & Run

The death of James Nance

Last night 43-year-old James Nance was riding his moped on South Hosmer Street headed for a business complex perhaps to get a coffee at the local Shari's restaurant. He crossed the intersection at South 72nd shortly after 11:30pm and was struck by a full sized pick up that had run a red light. He later died at St. Joseph Medical Center. The truck slowed down after hitting Nance, but then sped off into the night. Police are looking for a dark colored late 90s pick up truck with front end and passenger side damage.

I once heard it said that the difference between a good guy and a bad guy is that when a good guy does something bad he admits it and takes the appropriate consequences. What happened to James Nance was almost certainly an accident. It was late at night. He was riding a small vehicle. The truck ran a red light but I doubt there's anyone reading this who hasn't run a red light. If the truck had simply stopped, there'd likely be little if any criminal charges filed.

However, running a red light, hitting and killing a man, and then running away are actions that make criminal charges almost inevitable. It's things like this that turn a simple mistake into vehicular homicide. Hopefully the driver of the truck will see the light and drop by the police station.

UPDATE: This from the News Tribune:

Based on witnesses' statements, police describe the truck as a 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado.

It's dark – possibly black – and has a light-colored accent stripe down each side. An aluminum toolbox and aluminum-colored bed rails were on the back, police said.

Witnesses also said it was slightly raised and had chrome rims.

Investigators said there will be noticeable damage to the front hood and grill area, including the headlamp and turn signal assembly.

Witnesses have not been able to describe the truck's driver.

Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests and charges filed in the case. Callers remain anonymous.

Reach Crime Stoppers at 253-591-5959.

-Jack