Hit-and-run kills one in West Oak Cliff

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Timothy McGraw, victim of a hit-and-run on May 18 in West Oak Cliff in Dallas.

One man is dead after a hit-and-run accident on Westmoreland Road in West Oak Cliff Wednesday night.

Police said Timothy C. McGraw was standing in the right lane of traffic trying to help another person back a car on a trailer into a driveway in the 600 block of S. Westmoreland Rd. when a blue GMC Yukon lost control, striking a wooden utility pole and McGraw. The incident occurred at approximately 8:58 p.m.

Witnesses say the Yukon was speeding. The driver, identified possibly as a Latin male, jumped out of the car and ran from the location. McGraw was pronounced dead at the scene.

David McGraw, the victim’s brother, said Timothy had brought over his new car after work. He said Timothy was in the street while a tow truck was pulling the car into the driveway when the Yukon struck him.

David McGraw said that Wednesday’s incident is not a first in his neighborhood. He said there have been four incidents with cars running into the pole near his house and spinning out of control onto the street, hitting ongoing vehicles. He said it usually sounds like a big drop of heavy metal.

“You’re looking at anywhere from 45 to 60 miles an hour,” David said. “I get so scared when kids want to come out and play in the yard.”

Cars didn’t slow down even after law enforcement officials arrived on the scene. The speed limit for the street is 35 mph.

“Police were scared,” David said. “There were six cars with their lights going, and the medical examiner, and the cars were just shooting by.”

David also said that people who get into accidents in front of his house usually get out of their car and run. He thinks the suspect ran because the vehicle was stolen or because the suspect was driving under the influence.

Regardless of weather or road conditions, many motorists continue to drive above the speed limit. David plans to address the city on the matter.

Although angry and upset, David said he has forgiven the driver.