Driver sought after elderly man killed in Durham hit-and-run

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Authorities in Durham are searching for the driver who hit and killed a 72-year-old man late Tuesday night.

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It happened around 11:20 p.m. in the 3700 block of Fayetteville Street, just north of Cook Road in front of the Caroco gas station.

Police said Phillip Shaw, of Fayetteville Street in Durham, was struck by a black 2007-2011 model Toyota Avalon that was going south along the roadway.

The driver fled the scene after the incident.

Shaw's family spoke with ABC11 Wednesday.

"I remember most that he loved to sing. He had such a free spirit," said his stepdaughter Shacondra Burnette.

"He was talking to one of my sisters and he was supposed to have been going to bed. But I guess he decided to walk to the store. And during the last walk he did not make it back," said Shaw's daughter Ta-Easha.

Bradley Bailey told ABC11 he saw it happen.

"I just don't think it's fair that he had to lose his life over something so senseless and reckless. And then on top of that, the person didn't even stop," said Bailey.

Authorities said the vehicle is likely missing the center Toyota emblem from the grill, as well as the black plastic surround for the passenger side fog light. It also may have a broken windshield.

Police said it also appeared as if the vehicle had transparent black plastic rain guards that covered the side windows and may be missing one guard over the front passenger window or it is likely damaged.

There is no description of the driver at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.