Police identify suspect in fatal hit-and-run in Wilmington; warrant for arrest issued

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - On Monday, Sept. 18, the Wilmington Police Department announced that it was searching for a driver allegedly involved in a fatal hit-and-run just after midnight on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Investigators say someone hit a pedestrian near Carolina Beach Road and Sunnyvale Drive. EMS transported the victim to Novant Health NHRMC where he later died.

“A warrant for 47-year-old Emily Elizabeth Hayes has been issued for felony hit and run, additional charges will be added. At this time Hayes is not in custody and is being sought out by the Wilmington Police Department. The victim of the hit-and-run has been identified as 61-year-old Michael Bernard of Wilmington,” a WPD announcement from Monday states.

Authorities were looking for “a red or maroon pickup truck, possibly early 2000s,” according to a news release from WPD.

At the time, police asked anyone with information to call WPD at 910-343-3609 or use the Tip 411 app.

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