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Pedestrian hit by Norfolk city vehicle on Colley Avenue: Police

Pedestrian initially said to have life-threatening injuries
Pedestrian hit by Norfolk city vehicle on Colley Avenue: Police
Pedestrian hit by vehicle on Colley Ave. taken to hospital with serious injuries
Watch: Police investigating Colley Ave. crash that left pedestrian seriously hurt
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NORFOLK, Va. — A pedestrian is seriously hurt after she was hit by a city of Norfolk vehicle at the intersection of W. 47th Street and Colley Avenue Wednesday morning, police say.

Raw footage: Police investigating Colley Ave. crash that left pedestrian seriously hurt

Watch: Police investigating Colley Ave. crash that left pedestrian seriously hurt

The crash happened around 9:45 a.m. at the intersection, which is a few blocks from Colley's endpoint at the bridge.

The pedestrian, a 74-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, police say. She remains in the hospital as of Thursday afternoon.

“It’s a real challenge to pay attention to the road and watch the pedestrians and all the things that are going on," said Rachel Dailey.

Dailey lives near the scene of Wednesday morning’s crash. She said it’s a dangerous area.

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“I’m nervous every day. I’m always nervous for everyone walking around here when people shoot around me. I’ve seen several people almost get hit," said Dailey.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash stayed at the scene, police say.

Police confirmed to News 3 that it was a city vehicle that hit the pedestrian. At the scene, a white city of Norfolk pickup truck could be seen being towed away.

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Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney Ramin Fatehi was at the scene, saying he just happened to be in the area.

“I have a staff of lawyers who are on call 24 hours a day for serious auto crashes and auto fatalities. My prosecutor is out on scene," Fatehi explained.

Watch: 'I think these are entirely preventable deaths:' Norfolk pedestrian death highlights pedestrian safety

'I think these are entirely preventable deaths:' Norfolk pedestrian death highlights pedestrian safety

He said it was too early to tell if there would be charges.

"My decision on charging, if there are any charges to bring, will always be based on the facts," said Fatehi.

Police say charges are pending the outcome of their ongoing investigation. They don't believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.

The owner of a nearby business told News 3 they pulled up to their business right after the crash happened and overheard witnesses telling police a city-owned pickup truck hit the pedestrian as the truck was making a left turn onto Colley Avenue.

In December 2024, News 3 reported from Colley Avenue after a man was hit and killed while walking his dog.

Watch: Highland Park neighbors push for changes after man is hit, killed walking on Colley Ave.

Highland Park neighbors push for changes after man is hit, killed while walking on Colley Ave.

A business owner and pedestrians we talked with at the time also mentioned safety concerns.

“I have seen people go 90 miles an hour down this road," said Daphne Frank, who owns a hair salon on Colley Avenue.

“Very easy for a car to lose control and then swerve and hit someone, especially with how tight these walkways are for pedestrians," said one pedestrian News 3 talked with.

Watch: Norfolk man remembered after killed while walking on Colley Ave.

Norfolk man remembered after being killed while walking on Colley Avenue

Frank said she would like to see more lighting and a stoplight.

At the time, the city said the police investigation into the crash would have to finish before there could be any discussion about a stoplight.

Wednesday, News 3 called and e-mailed a city spokesperson for an update. They said a stoplight is not an option.

Following the investigation, the Department of Transportation reviewed the intersection at Colley Ave. and 52nd St. Based on federal guidelines for traffic signal warrants, that intersection does not meet the warrants for a new traffic signal. The existing rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) are intended to promote safe pedestrian crossings by alerting drivers to a crossing pedestrian once they have activated the beacons. That corridor has also had the speed limit reduced to 20 mph.
City of Norfolk

Police say they've issued 92 summonses to drivers traveling in the north Colley Avenue corridor year to date.

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