For the second time in less than a week, a vehicle accident on St. Croix has claimed the life of a resident.
A Catherine’s Rest man was struck and killed Friday night as he walked through the neighborhood.
Police officials reported that Wayne Gittens, 44, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at 4 a.m.
Though Gittens was reportedly struck at 7 p.m. Friday, he was not found until 2 a.m.
A Catherine's Rest resident saw the body and called for help. By the time police and an ambulance arrived, Gittens was dead, according to the Daily News.
Police have picked up Carlos "Carlito" Soto, 33, and charged him with leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident. Soto of 314 Union Mount Washington, who was reportedly driving a full-size pick up truck, was released on $1,000 bail.
Traffic Commander Lt. William Harvey told the Daily News that the number of pedestrian accidents is on the rise.
Harvey warned pedestrians to exercise care by staying off roadway, walking toward traffic, wearing light colored clothing and avoiding poorly lit areas.