Durham police hunt for dented Nissan after fatal roadside crash
Officers recovered a missing car emblem at the scene where a man with a flat tire was struck and killed on NC 147.
By Aiko Brooks ·
Drivers in Durham need to check their cars for specific front-end damage as police search for the vehicle responsible for a fatal hit-and-run. The incident occurred on the night of Oct. 18 in the southbound lanes of NC Highway 147 near Fayetteville Street. Officers arrived around 10 p.m. following reports of a fatality.
The victim is Rakesh Babu Poojari, 37. Investigators from the department's Traffic and Crash Team determined he had pulled over onto the shoulder to address a flat tire. He exited his vehicle when another car struck him. Poojari died at the scene.
Police describe the suspect vehicle as a Nissan sedan or a small SUV. The crash caused notable damage to the front bumper, hood, and windshield. Officers recovered a Nissan emblem at the crash site. Authorities believe the suspect car is likely missing this specific part. This detail helps drivers identify the vehicle.
The Durham Police Department is asking the public to look for a Nissan with these specific injuries. Anyone who spots a matching vehicle or has information about the crash should contact the department. The investigation remains active as officers work to identify the driver and vehicle.
This crash adds to the number of fatal incidents on this stretch of highway this year. The specific location near Fayetteville Street is a known high-traffic area. The recovery of the emblem provides a tangible lead in the case. Police continue to review available evidence while seeking witness accounts.
