DPS on the hunt for perp in fatal hit-and-run

The Department of Public Safety is currently on the hunt for the perpetrator who is believed to have caused a fatal hit-and-run that killed the woman whose body was found along Route 30 in Marpi last Tuesday.

According to Department of Public Safety spokesperson Dre Pangelinan, the department is urging anyone who could have witnessed the tragic accident last Tuesday, to come forward as DPS has no suspects yet.

“[DPS] has no suspects at this time. But we believe some people have witnessed what happened and we would like to ask anyone who witnessed anything to let us know. If they want to remain anonymous, they can call 234-7272,” Pangelinan said.

So far, Pangelinan said, police investigation has determined that the incident was a fatal hit-and-run and DPS will continue to investigate the accident. DPS also continues to withhold the name of the deceased while investigation continues.

Multiple sources have told Saipan Tribune that they were in the area to watch an illegal drag racing event and claims the girl could have been hit by one of the racers.

DPS said they are looking at possible aspects, including illegal drag racing, which are deemed illegal.

A 22-year-old drag racing enthusiast who has participated in the races a few times claims that most of the people who participate in these races know one another and wouldn’t just leave a person on the roadside that late at night.

On top of that, he added, drag races take place later in the evening and people gather at around 11pm and the victim was found at around 9pm.

Meanwhile, friends and family of the deceased have taken to social media to start a movement seeking justice for the victim.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, at around 9:52pm last Tuesday, DPS responded to a report about an unresponsive individual lying on the shoulder of Route 30 in Marpi, just north of the former Mariana Resort & Spa.

Saipan Tribune learned from a source that the caller, who lives nearby, was driving home at around 9pm when he noticed a body along the road. The caller immediately stopped to help and called the police for assistance.

At the scene, police noticed an unresponsive female resting on the shoulder of the roadway with tire marks nearby.

The police report stated that Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responders transported the female to the Commonwealth Health Center where she was pronounced dead at 1am.

According to Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responding officers, the female’s body had multiple lacerations and deformities, multiple fractures and severe injuries to her head.