Police are seeking a hit-and-run driver who allegedly struck and killed a 59-year-old man with a pickup truck Monday in Ocean View.
The driver sought by police is identified as 67-year-old Alfredo Natividad of Ocean View. Police describe him as Hispanic, 5-foot-9 inches tall, 210 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The pickup truck is a black 1998 Toyota Tacoma with license plate NNA 392.
According to police, at about 4:55 p.m., Natividad was heading out of a driveway near the intersection of Sea Breeze Parkway and Bamboo Lane when it struck 59-year-old Elias Anaya Padilla, who police say was either leaning into the truck or holding onto it at one point. Police say Natividad, who fled in an unknown direction, was involved in a verbal dispute with Padilla just prior to the crash.
Padilla was taken to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:12 p.m.
His death is the 27th official traffic fatality this year compared to 16 at this time last year.
A negligent homicide investigation has been opened. Police are asking potential witnesses to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.