Phoenix police search for van driver after fatal hit-and-run at 23rd and Grand Avenue

Incident reported Friday evening in central Phoenix

Phoenix police are searching for the driver of a dark-colored van after a fatal hit-and-run Friday evening near the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Grand Avenue, a major corridor in central Phoenix.

First responders were dispatched to the area at about 6:45 p.m. following reports that a person had been struck by a vehicle. Officers arriving at the scene found an adult man with severe injuries in the roadway. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Authorities have not released the victim’s name.

What investigators say happened

Investigators say the man was lying in the road when he was hit by a van traveling eastbound on Grand Avenue. The vehicle left the scene before officers arrived, and the driver has not been identified.

Police have described the suspect vehicle only as a dark-colored van. The make and model had not been determined as of Saturday morning, and no additional identifying features—such as plate information, unique markings, or visible damage—had been publicly confirmed.

Why hit-and-run cases can be difficult to solve quickly

In fatal hit-and-run investigations, early identification often depends on time-sensitive factors including nearby surveillance video, traffic cameras, witness accounts, and vehicle damage consistent with a collision. When the vehicle description is broad—such as a color and general type—investigators typically seek additional details that can narrow the search, including the vehicle’s path before and after the crash.

What the public is being asked to do

Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the crash or the van in the area around the time of the incident to come forward. Information that may assist investigators includes:

• Dash-camera footage from vehicles traveling on Grand Avenue near 23rd Avenue around 6:45 p.m.
• Security video from nearby businesses or residences facing Grand Avenue
• Observations of a dark-colored van with fresh front-end damage or missing parts

Police said the van was traveling east on Grand Avenue when it struck a man who was in the roadway, then left the scene.

How to share information

Anyone with information is asked to contact Phoenix police. Tips may also be submitted through Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (480-837-8446) for Spanish speakers.

The investigation remained active as of Feb. 1, 2026.