PD: Fatal hit & run suspect was texting

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - A man found dead on the side of Jefferson Avenue Sunday morning was the victim of a hit and run, according to police.

Around 5:30 a.m. Sunday, a Newport News police officer on patrol found a man's body lying on the shoulder of the road at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Woodcreek Dr. Russell Neff Jr., 22, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators said Neff appeared to have been struck by a vehicle.

Around 6:10 a.m. York-Poquoson sheriff's deputies contacted Newport News investigators and told them they had located a possible suspect vehicle. Newport News officers went to York county and identified the driver of a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe who they say struck the victim.

The driver, Timothy Jason Walker, 35, of Newport News has been charged with DUI, texting while driving and felony hit and run.

The investigation closed Jefferson Ave. between Woodcreek Dr. and Whitewater Dr. for several hours Sunday morning. The road was reopened at around 9:45 a.m.