VSP Asks for Public’s Help With Fatal Hit-and-Run

STATEWIDE – The Virginia State Police identified a driver responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash in Pittsylvania County. He is known to frequent counties in Central and Southside Virginia and VSP officials are asking for help in locating the suspect.

Warrants for Courtney Wendall Davis, 32, have been obtained by State Police for felony hit-and-run, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and fourth offense for driving on a suspended license. State police are now asking for the public’s help in locating Davis, who is known to frequent Central and Southside Virginia counties, as well as the cities of Lynchburg and South Boston.

The fatal hit-and-run occurred Saturday (Aug. 27) at 6:41 p.m., in the 5200 block of Straightstone Road in the Long Island community of Pittsylvania County.

A 2002 Oldsmobile Alero was southbound on Straightstone Road when it struck a male pedestrian walking along the left side of the road. The driver of the Oldsmobile Alero, Davis, abandoned the vehicle at the scene and fled on foot.

The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist with the search, along with the Virginia State Police Aviation Unit.

The pedestrian, Paul A. Bell, 41, of Gladys, Va., was transported to Gretna Medical Center where he was declared deceased.

Anyone with information about Davis’ whereabouts and/or the crash is asked to please contact the State Police at 540-375-9500 or by dialing #77 on a cell phone or by email at Area43@vsp.virginia.gov.

The investigation remains ongoing with the assistance of the Virginia State Police Salem Division Crash Reconstruction Team and Bureau of Criminal Investigation.