ST. FRANCIS COUNTY, AR -- Blue gloves left behind by crime scene investigators are scattered along Highway 38 just outside the town of Widener, Arkansas. The gloves are along the same stretch of road where Arkansas State Police say a man’s body was found on Friday, May 22, 2009. Detectives think the man was hit and killed by a passing vehicle two days earlier. The driver hit him and kept going.
Investigators have questioned one person in connection with this case, but so far no arrests have been made. They are also waiting for the state crime lab to identify the victim.
Highway 38 runs right through Widener and in front of the home Junior Sanchez is remodeling for his parents. Sanchez says “I hate to see that happen to anybody and to be so close to home it’s pretty sad.” Sanchez says it is very common for people from Widener to walk along the highway to get to a nearby store.
A spokesperson with the Arkansas State Police would not confirm it, but according to a Forrest City, AR newspaper, investigators are searching for a full size Dodge pickup truck. Also, they are asking area body shops and auto parts stores to be on the lookout for any one getting parts or repairs to a headlight or passenger side mirror on a Dodge pickup truck. Sanchez hopes this runaway driver is found.
“Need to turn themselves in. That’s what they need to do first right off hand…If they done it they were out doing something and it was accidentally they need to turn themselves in.”
He also hopes other drivers take caution. “Slow down watch what they’re doing and pay attention.”
If you have any information that can help investigators solve this case, call the Arkansas State Police at (870) 633-1454.
