NORFOLK, Va. — A 21-year-old man who fled to another state after a deadly hit-and-run in Norfolk was sentenced to six years in prison for a felony hit and run charge, city officials announced Friday.
On the night of June 24, 2022, bystanders claim Marion Strong was "weaving in and out of traffic" on Tidewater Drive before coming to a halt at a red light near the corner of St. Julian Avenue. Once the light turned green, according to officials, Strong sped through the underpass, then swerved off the roadway and onto the sidewalk, striking a pedestrian and tree.
Strong crawled out of his turned over vehicle then proceeded to pull off his license plates, officials said. A short time later, a witness photographed Strong getting into a second vehicle with the license plates in hand.
"At no point did Mr. Strong check on the victim, purposefully leave behind any identifying information, or contact Norfolk Police," according to prosecutors.
Authorities said multiple witnesses stepped in to help the pedestrian, 36-year-old Karl Wilkerson, and called 911. Despite bystanders' efforts, Wilkerson succumbed to his injuries at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Strong eventually fled the state but was apprehended by U.S. Marshals who extradited him to Norfolk.
