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Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run at intersection of Michigan Avenue and University Drive

November 5, 2023
Cars pass by on Grand River Avenue on Nov. 5, 2023, following a car crash that happened the night prior, in the area, resulting in the death of a pedestrian.
Cars pass by on Grand River Avenue on Nov. 5, 2023, following a car crash that happened the night prior, in the area, resulting in the death of a pedestrian.

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle early Sunday morning at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and University Drive, according to East Lansing Police Department Sergeant Nicole Mitchell.

The East Lansing Police Department confirmed the identity of the person who was killed in a press release Monday morning as Salvino Vackaro, a 20-year-old from Oxford, Michigan. 

Vackaro was not an MSU student. 

According to the press release, the next of kin of Vackaro have been notified. 

Mitchell said the accident occurred around 1 a.m. and that one person is in custody in connection to the accident. 

In the press release, the East Lansing Police Department said officers were dispatched to a call of possible shots fired. However, when officers arrived on the scene, they learned that it was a traffic crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. 

The pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene. 

The vehicle involved in the accident fled the area and was located a mile away with no passengers in the vehicle, according to the press release.

“Upon further investigation, including use of a canine unit for tracking, a subject was placed into custody," ELPD's statement said. "The name of the subject is not being released." 

Because there is an ongoing investigation into the accident, no charges have been sought against the arrested individual at this time. 

“Once the investigation is complete, the complaint report will be submitted to the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office for their review,” the press release said. 

East Lansing Police Department Sergeant Jayson Young told The State News on Sunday afternoon that it was initially reported that three vehicles were involved in the crash, but it is unknown by the East Lansing Police Department at this time if that number is accurate. 

Michigan State University spokesperson Emily Guerrant said that given the proximity of the accident to MSU’s campus, it is likely that students were “impacted” by the accident, and that the university is looking to “provide appropriate supports” for students.

Witnesses or anyone who has additional information about the accident are encouraged to contact East Lansing Police Department Officer Steve Whelan at (517) 351-4220.

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