Pedestrian struck, killed on Durango Thursday night

A woman who was returning home from a quick trip to the convenience store was struck and killed by a white SUV on South Durango Drive early Thursday evening in the northwest valley, police said.

It was the 24th auto-versus-pedestrian fatality this year for the Metropolitan Police Department, eight fewer than last year between January and March, said detective Richard Tusko.

The woman, whose age was unknown, had been crossing west to east in the 2600 block of South Durango Drive south of Sahara Avenue when the SUV motorist headed north hit her just before 6 p.m., Tusko said.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The male driver was not cited and was not impaired, but an investigation is ongoing to determine whether speed was a factor in the fatal crash, Tusko said.

The speed limit is 45 mph on that stretch of street.

Tusko said speeding motorists, coupled with pedestrians who aren’t paying attention, often lead to crashes in the area. Making matters worse, he said, there are no crosswalks on the street. He said nearby motorcycle cops, whose station is located in the vicinity, are constantly warning pedestrians to be careful when they’re crossing the street.

Durango Drive between Sahara Avenue and Starboard Street was shut down for more than two hours.

Contact reporter Tom Ragan at tragan@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.