Memphis Police Seek Driver in Heartbreaking Hit-and-Run Incident
Memphis, Tennessee—In a tragic turn of events, Memphis Police are desperately searching for a driver responsible for a fatal hit-and-run that unfolded late Saturday night. This grave incident occurred at around 11:00 p.m. at the intersection of Winchester Road and Heather Ridge Drive, where a man named Freddy Lopez lost his life after being struck by a vehicle.
According to police reports, a burgundy four-door vehicle was traveling eastbound when it collided with Freddy, who was crossing the street with his brother, Byron Perez-Lopez. The family shared that the two had just finished a long day at work and were paying their respects by placing flowers for another loved one when the unthinkable happened.
Byron recounted the moments leading up to the tragic accident. “The last thing I heard was my brother saying, ‘Wait for me’ as he tried to cross the road. I was right behind him, and I ran over to him after the impact,” he recalled, his voice filled with sorrow. In a desperate act, Byron ran toward Freddy after hearing a loud crash that he described as sounding like ‘Boom!’ Unfortunately, the situation was dire, and Freddy sustained severe injuries.
After the crash, the driver sped away from the scene, heading eastbound on Winchester Road towards Clarke Road. Authorities are concerned that the car will showcase heavy damage on the front driver’s side along with a shattered front windshield from the collision.
A Family’s Grief
Byron, deeply affected by his brother’s untimely death, expressed the overwhelming sense of loss that has enveloped their family. “My brother was a favorite amongst our family. Everyone loved him because he was just a genuinely good person,” he shared. Freddy, known for his kindness, had a heart for helping others—a quality that Byron hopes to honor in his brother’s memory.
“Just the other day, he saw someone who didn’t have enough cash at the store and he told them, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll put it on my card.’ That’s the kind of person he was,” Byron said, with a mix of pride and heartbreak. Their family is now left in mourning and is urging the community for support. They want to remind everyone to drive cautiously and for pedestrians to be vigilant when crossing streets.
Byron has a heartfelt message for the driver who fled the scene. “If you’re out there listening, please, think with your conscience,” he implored. “If I had been the one who hit someone, I would have stopped to check on them. You can’t just leave someone lying there without knowing if they are okay.”
Community Support
As they navigate this painful time, Byron and his family are reaching out for help with funeral expenses. “It’s hard to think about these things, but we are in need,” he said, emphasizing how much Freddy meant to them. The family welcomes donations and anyone who wishes to assist is encouraged to reach out.
If you have any information regarding the hit-and-run incident, police are urging you to contact Crime Stoppers or reach out to Sgt. R. Strickland of the Memphis Police Department’s STIS Bureau at (901) 636-4046. Every bit of information could help in the pursuit of justice for Freddy and his grieving family.
In times like these, it’s crucial for our community to come together. As Byron shared his story, it reminded us all of the importance of compassion and responsibility—not just on the roads, but in all aspects of our lives.
