Man Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run in East Phoenix

Phoenix, January 2, 2026

A critical hit-and-run incident occurred in East Phoenix, leaving a man severely injured after being struck by two vehicles. Local authorities are seeking the drivers involved in this case. Emergency services found the victim in dire condition, and he is currently fighting for his life in the hospital. The investigation continues as police collect evidence and look for witnesses to help identify the responsible parties. This incident highlights ongoing pedestrian safety concerns in Phoenix, ranked among the worst cities for pedestrian fatalities.

Phoenix

Man Critically Injured After Being Struck by Two Vehicles in East Phoenix Hit-and-Run

Phoenix authorities are actively searching for the driver or drivers involved in a critical hit-and-run incident that occurred early Thursday morning in the city’s Camelback East neighborhood. A man was tragically struck by two separate vehicles and is now fighting for his life in the hospital. The incident unfolded in the predawn hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, marking a somber start to the new year for the victim and his family. Emergency services responded to the scene in the east Phoenix area, where they found the pedestrian in extremely critical condition.

Police officials have confirmed that after the initial impact, a second vehicle also struck the man before fleeing the scene. Both drivers failed to stop and render aid, as is required by law. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility, where he remains in a precarious state. The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collision and the identification of the involved vehicles and their drivers is now a top priority for local law enforcement.

Intensive Investigation Underway

The Phoenix Police Department has launched an intensive investigation to locate those responsible for the hit-and-run. Investigators are meticulously gathering evidence at the accident scene, a standard procedure in such serious cases. This involves securing the area to preserve any potential clues, such as vehicle debris, paint marks, fluid trails, or skid marks that could help identify the suspect vehicles. Investigators will also assess the general scene layout to reconstruct the events of the collision.

A crucial part of the investigation involves canvassing the area for potential witnesses who may have seen the incident or have information about the vehicles involved. Authorities are also expected to seek out surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residential properties that could have captured images of the vehicles or the incident itself. The public’s cooperation is often vital in these types of cases, as eyewitness identification or video evidence can provide significant leads. Social media can also play a role in disseminating information and seeking public assistance in identifying drivers.

Under Arizona law, all parties involved in a collision are required to remain at the scene, exchange information, and provide reasonable assistance. Fleeing the scene of an accident, especially one involving injury or death, carries serious legal consequences. Such actions are considered a criminal offense in all 50 states, including Arizona, potentially leading to Class 3 felony charges in cases of injury or death, along with license suspension or revocation and substantial fines. Beyond criminal penalties, victims or their families can pursue civil lawsuits for damages, even if the fleeing driver is not immediately identified.

Phoenix’s Ongoing Pedestrian Safety Challenges

This tragic incident underscores the persistent challenges Phoenix faces regarding pedestrian safety. The city has been ranked as the fourth worst in the country for pedestrian fatalities, indicating a critical need for enhanced safety measures. Despite ongoing efforts, a recent report highlighted that the problem of pedestrian safety in Phoenix continues to worsen.

In response to these concerns, the City of Phoenix has adopted a comprehensive Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan, with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This plan, approved by the City Council, incorporates data evaluation to identify high-injury networks—specific locations with a disproportionately high number of accidents—and prioritizes solutions for citywide safety enhancements. The city has allocated $10 million annually for the implementation of this plan and formed a Community Advisory Committee to provide feedback.

Recent initiatives under this plan include stricter enforcement of jaywalking laws, transitioning from warnings to immediate citations, and significant investments in infrastructure. These investments involve building new pedestrian-activated crosswalks in high-traffic areas and making thousands of crosswalks brighter and more visible with ladder-style markings across the city. The aim is to make it easier for pedestrians to be seen and for drivers to have ample time to react.

Statistical data from 2019-2023 reveals that pedestrian collisions are the most common type of crash resulting in serious injury or fatality (KSI crashes), accounting for 29% of all such incidents in Phoenix. While the total number of KSI crashes saw a decrease from 880 in 2022 to 859 in 2023, and preliminary data for 2024 shows a further reduction to 751, the overall trendline for fatal crashes has unfortunately continued to rise since 2015. Experts note that Phoenix’s urban design, often optimized for rapid vehicular movement, frequently creates conflicts with pedestrian traffic, leading to dangerous situations.

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Thursday’s hit-and-run to contact the Phoenix Police Department. Community vigilance and cooperation are essential in helping bring those responsible to justice and in contributing to safer streets for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened in East Phoenix early Thursday morning?

A man was critically injured after being hit by two cars in a hit-and-run incident in Phoenix’s Camelback East neighborhood early Thursday, January 1, 2026.

What is the victim’s current condition?

The man is fighting for his life in the hospital.

Are authorities searching for any suspects?

Yes, authorities are actively searching for the driver or drivers of the two vehicles involved, who both fled the scene.

What are the legal consequences for hit-and-run in Arizona?

Fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a criminal offense in Arizona, potentially leading to Class 3 felony charges, license suspension or revocation, and substantial fines. Victims can also pursue civil lawsuits for damages.

What is the “Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan” in Phoenix?

It is a comprehensive plan adopted by the City of Phoenix with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. It includes strategies for safety enhancements citywide and an annual allocation of $10 million for its implementation.

How common are pedestrian collisions in Phoenix?

Pedestrian collisions are the most common type of crash resulting in serious injury or fatality (KSI crashes) in Phoenix, accounting for 29% of all such incidents between 2019-2023.

Key Features of the East Phoenix Hit-and-Run Incident and Context

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.