Reckless driver hits Bethany man trying to intervene, flees scene, deputies say

Authorities in Bethany are searching for a driver accused of striking a man with an SUV before fleeing the scene in a residential neighborhood.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 1:52 p.m. Sunday near Northwest Shadow Hills Lane and Northwest Oak Knoll Place. Investigators say the victim attempted to intervene after noticing a vehicle being driven recklessly through the area.

The man was hit during the encounter and later transported to a hospital with a broken leg.

Witnesses told deputies the SUV had been speeding through the neighborhood prior to the crash. Surveillance footage and a photo taken shortly after the incident helped investigators identify the vehicle as a black Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, believed to be from the 2021 or 2022 model years. Officials noted the SUV did not have license plates.

Despite a search of the surrounding area, deputies were unable to locate the vehicle or driver.

The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team is now leading the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect vehicle or driver to contact non-emergency dispatch and reference case number 50-26-3587.