VCU Identifies Pedestrian Killed in Northport Hit-and-Run, Asks for Help

The multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is officially investigating a deadly hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 72-year-old Northport man on Wednesday.

As the Thread reported, the Northport Police Department discovered the scene just off Highway 43 yesterday evening after a passing motorist called to report what appeared to be a dead body near the side of the road.

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Keith Carpenter, the assistant chief of the Northport Police Department, confirmed they found a deceased victim and believe he was struck by a motorist who left the scene.

Since the death could have been a homicide, NPD worked the scene with their Accident Reconstruction Unit, but it has also brought in the Violent Crimes Unit.

Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the VCU, said the victim was a 72-year-old Willie Clay Fleming and asked for the public's help in working out who struck him.

They said Fleming appears to have been struck by a vehicle between 6:20 and 6:40 p.m.

"There is heavy traffic in this area of Highway 43 at this time of day. We ask that any witnesses to this incident please contact law enforcement and request any drivers in the area around that time who have dash cams to check and see if they captured any video of the incident," Kennedy said. "Anyone who believes they may have any information, please call the VCU at 205-464-8690."

For more updates as they become available and exclusive coverage of crime and courts in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.