Thomas Cummings Obituary, Death – A 43-year-old Pontiac man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run late Tuesday night, and police are actively searching for the driver responsible. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said the crash occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Baldwin Avenue, not far from the site of another fatal hit-and-run that occurred just a month earlier.
According to authorities, the victim, identified as Thomas Cummings, was crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk when a southbound Jeep struck him. Emergency responders rushed Cummings to the hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators at the scene were able to confirm that the suspect vehicle was a Jeep, based on debris and other evidence found nearby.
The vehicle did not remain at the scene, and law enforcement is now appealing to the public for assistance. Sheriff Michael Bouchard issued a statement urging anyone who may have seen something, or knows someone who drives a Jeep with recent unexplained front-end damage, to come forward. “Your help could be vital in bringing answers to the victim’s family and the community,” Bouchard said.
This incident marks the second deadly hit-and-run on Baldwin Avenue in recent weeks. In July, a bicyclist was struck and killed just blocks from where Cummings was hit. Both accidents are currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit.
As part of their efforts to locate the driver, the sheriff’s office has partnered with Crime Stoppers. A reward of up to \$2,000 is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest in connection with either fatal crash. Those with information are encouraged to call 1-800-Speak-Up, where tips can be submitted anonymously.
The death of Thomas Cummings has left the community shaken, especially in light of the similarities between this incident and the previous hit-and-run. Residents have expressed concern about pedestrian safety in the area, particularly with people crossing roads outside marked crosswalks and drivers not stopping after serious accidents.
Investigators continue to analyze the scene and review any available footage from nearby surveillance cameras to gather more details about the vehicle and its driver. They hope that witnesses will come forward to help identify the person responsible and prevent further tragedies.
Law enforcement officials are also reminding drivers of the importance of staying at the scene of any crash, especially when someone is injured. Leaving the scene of an accident is not only a serious crime but also prevents timely emergency care for victims and adds to the trauma experienced by families and the community.
As the investigation unfolds, the sheriff’s office is determined to hold the driver accountable and provide closure to the victim’s loved ones.
