First driver comes forward, CSP still searching for second driver after deadly hit and run
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Colorado Springs Police Department says two trucks were involved in a hit-and-run on Wednesday.
CSP says both drivers hit 76-year-old Charlene McAlister, who died at the scene.
A day later on Thursday, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said the first driver involved in the accident came forward to investigators. CSP said no charges have been filed for that driver at this time.
However, the second driver is still at large. State troopers are searching for a dark-colored pickup truck that they believe was involved.
The victim, Charlene McAlister, was an iconic figure in the community according to those who knew her. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and wife. Her husband tells KRDO13 they had been married for 40 years. KRDO13 has been in contact with the McAlister family, who are still trying to wrap their heads around the horrific incident.
OTHER: Beloved mother, childcare employee mourned after deadly hit and run
McAlister was on her daily walk to work, according to coworkers. It was the same route that she had walked for the past ten years. Now, her colleagues, friends, and family members are left to grieve.
The owner of McCoy & Littlejohn Childcare Center said McAlister was one of the most reliable employees.
"Right from the corner there. She walked every day. Walk home. Walk to work. Ten years. Every single day. And that's what made it so odd. When 7:00 came around where was Miss Charlene, you know, I say, okay, well, wait till like, seven after seven, you know, no call, no nothing. So after that I ran down there to find out, you know," said Kimberly McCoy, owner of McCoy and Littlejohn Childcare Center.
The childcare center has been in business for 20 years, and McAlister has been there for the last decade.
"You just don't know what tomorrow is going to bring," said McCoy.
McCoy is now grieving the loss of not only her employee but a close friend who always went above and beyond.
"We had a team meeting thing. And she was, the 76-year-old climbed a rock wall, and got to the top. She was the only one," shared McCoy.
Kimberly knew something was off when Charlene McAlister wasn’t in right on time.
"Because of all the cars, police cars, and everything. I said well, Miss Sharlene's not here yet, so maybe I'll just go. I'll go see if she needs help crossing the street," recounted McCoy.
McCoy found a tragic scene with multiple state troopers, Cimarron Hills Firefighters and Colorado Springs Police's major crash team. Now the childcare owner is pleading with the public.
"If anybody knows anybody that hit her, please come forth and let them be caught and justice be served because this was a great person, an innocent person just trying to do the American dream, go to work and provide for her family," said McCoy.
CSP also confirmed to KRDO13 that the traffic cameras at the intersection do not capture constant video, instead they sense cars to change the traffic lights when needed.
