Update: The pedestrian killed in this collision has been identified through his fingerprints as Christian Eduardo Ramirez, 31, of Nashville.
A hit-and-run driver involved in Saturday night’s fatal collision with a pedestrian on Murfreesboro Pike near Ransom Place has been identified and interviewed as part of the continuing investigation.
South Precinct officers responded to the collision at 10:50 p.m. Evidence and witness statements show that a Ford Explorer and a Hyundai Elantra were traveling east on Murfreesboro Pike. It appears the Explorer struck the unidentified pedestrian in the inside eastbound lane. The Elantra then struck the victim in the outside eastbound lane. The Explorer fled the scene. The driver of the Elantra stopped and remained at the location to speak with officers. The pedestrian, a man who appeared to be in his 30s, died at a local hospital.
As the on-scene investigation was taking place, the Explorer driver’s sister called police and advised that her brother was at her residence and told her that he had struck someone. During an interview with Christian Barajas-Bautista, 18, he confirmed that he was driving the Explorer when it hit the pedestrian. The Explorer had damage consistent with the collision. It was impounded.
Barajas-Baustista was issued a state misdemeanor citation for driving without a license. Additional charges against him are pending further investigation, including an analysis of his speed while traveling on Murfreesboro Pike.
No charges are anticipated against the driver of the Elantra.