FRONT ROYAL, Va – Virginia State Police seeking the public’s help in locating a vehicle that struck a pedestrian on I-66 near an exit ramp in Warren County early Tuesday.

At 5:44 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling westbound on I-66 near Exit 6 near Front Royal when it encountered a pedestrian lying in the roadway. The Mercury was unable to avoid striking the pedestrian. The Mercury remained at the scene.

Sergeant Brent Coffey reported that further investigation revealed the pedestrian had been struck and died prior to the encounter with the Mercury. State police is now searching for the original striking vehicle that left the scene. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Virginia State Police at 540-829-7771 or #77 from a cell phone or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

The pedestrian has been identified as 50-year-old Robert L. Maki, 50 of Stephens City. State police later located Maki’s vehicle parked close to the crash scene.

The driver of the Mercury was not injured in the crash.