News

Actions

Police reconstruct hit-and-run crime scene

Posted at 6:49 PM, Aug 01, 2012
and last updated 2012-08-02 09:17:10-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--If you traveled along River Road Wednesday morning, you more than likely spotted Richmond police combing the area.

Three days after a deadly hit and run on the busy street, the department’s crash team returned to River Road to delve deeper into the tragic death of Lanie Kruszewski.  She died Sunday when someone hit her and fled the scene.

The twenty-four year old had just finished her shift at Osaka restaurant at the bottom of River Road.

 She was hit as she rode her bike on the winding road. When Kruszewski was thirty minutes late, her boyfriend grew concerned.  Her family would later learn she was fatally hit.

Wednesday morning investigators with the crash team reduced traffic down to one lane for more than an hour.  Jackie Smith was among the drivers who were slowed down a bit when crews used a 3D laser tool to recreate the scene.

Smith drives this stretch of River Road every day. “You have to be very aware because there are always joggers and bikers out here and you can’t lose your attention for one minute out here,” added Smith.

Smith also said she’s noticed since Sunday’s hit and run she hasn’t seen any joggers or bikers using this stretch of road, like she normally does.

“I know it’s got me very cautious.  I couldn’t imagine hitting someone and living with that," she said.

Richmond police on the scene spent time taking measurements and marking the road as part of their investigation.

They told us it’s standard operating procedure to do that when they're investigating a fatal crash.

They're now counting on a special 3D laser tool called Total Station to help them recreate the scene.

The team scoured and recreated the scene in hopes of uncovering more information that could lead them to the hit and run driver.

We spotted officers gathering even more items, including what appeared to be a bike seat, reflector and one flip flop.

Sources tell CBS 6 News since police found the SUV they believe was involved in the crash, they’re closer to making an arrest.

That’s something Smith hopes will happen soon, for the sake of Lanie Kruszewski’s loved ones who are still grieving their loss.

CBS 6 News will continue to follow this story and bring you the latest developments as they happen.