Phoenix police investigate fatal hit-and-run after pedestrian struck near 21st Avenue and Indian School Road

What police say happened

Phoenix police are investigating a deadly hit-and-run in central Phoenix after a pedestrian was struck late Sunday night near 21st Avenue and Indian School Road.

Officers were dispatched to the area around 10:30 p.m. for a pedestrian-involved crash. The woman who was hit was identified as 42-year-old Lukina Yazzie. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Yazzie was crossing the street mid-block when she was struck by a westbound vehicle. The driver did not remain at the scene.

Vehicle located, suspect not found

Police later located the suspected vehicle abandoned near 24th Avenue and Thomas Road. After searching the area, officers did not locate a suspect.

The vehicle was described as a tan Chevrolet Tahoe. No additional identifying details were released in the initial public information, and authorities have not announced an arrest.

How fatal hit-and-run cases are worked

Within the Phoenix Police Department, serious-injury and fatal collision cases are handled by specialized investigators assigned to traffic-related crimes. In hit-and-run investigations, detectives typically work to establish the vehicle’s identity, confirm involvement through physical evidence and any available video, and then determine who was driving at the time of the crash.

What remains unknown

Authorities have not publicly detailed whether impairment, speed, or other factors are suspected, and they have not released information about the vehicle’s license plate status, the point of impact, or whether investigators have recovered forensic evidence from the Tahoe.

Police also have not said whether any witnesses have come forward or whether nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or neighborhood security systems captured video that could help identify the driver.

Key facts released so far

• Crash location: near 21st Avenue and Indian School Road.

• Time officers were called: about 10:30 p.m. Sunday night.

• Victim: Lukina Yazzie, 42, pronounced dead at the scene.

• Vehicle description: tan Chevrolet Tahoe, later found abandoned near 24th Avenue and Thomas Road.

• Status: investigation ongoing; no suspect announced in the initial report.

If you have information about the crash or the vehicle’s movements before it was abandoned, authorities encourage contacting police to assist investigators.