Sheriff's Office seeks hit-and-run crash info

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Team is seeking assistance from the public in identifying a vehicle and a person in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a man critically injured early Sunday in Dalton Gardens.

The investigation has shown, according to the Sheriff’s Office, the man in question and his truck and boat combination were in the area of the vehicle vs. pedestrian crash that occurred in the 5800 block of N. 15th Street.

The vehicle appears to be an early 1990s two-tone, half-ton Chevrolet pickup, with a standard cab and a tool box directly behind the cab. The driver appears to be a white male, mid to late 60s, with glasses and a salt-and-pepper beard.

This man is not considered a suspect at this time. The Traffic Team would just like to interview him.

The injured man, Rodney H. Russell, 45, was found lying just off the east side of 15th Street Sunday just after 4:15 a.m.

The initial investigation indicates Russell was walking along the east shoulder of the road when he was struck by a northbound vehicle.

Evidence collected from the scene led investigators to believe the suspect vehicle may be a mid- to full-sized SUV or pickup. There is notable damage to the right front corner of the suspect vehicle around the passenger side headlight assembly. The vehicle was also equipped with a translucent, dark gray (smoke-colored) bug guard that is damaged on the passenger side.

Investigators are also researching other broken bumper parts with part numbers that remained at the scene to determine the specific make and model of the vehicle.

An investigation continues.

Anyone with information related to this matter is asked to call the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at (208)446-1300. Please do not use 911. Information can also be submitted anonymously through the KCSO website at http://www.kcsheriff.com/anonymous-tip.html.