Durham Police Investigate Fatal Hit-And-Run Accident

At about 4:20 a.m. Saturday, police said, an officer stopped to investigate an unoccupied green 1994 Ford Aerostar van that was partially blocking N.C. 55 near Cornwallis Road.

The officer noticed the van had been damaged and then discovered a deceased male lying on the side of the road.

The victim has been identified as 53-year-old Vernon James Bright.

Police believe Bright was struck by the van as he was walking on the road.

Investigators said the accident may have happened between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Saturday, but they have not located any witnesses and have not determined the identity of the driver of the van.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact the Durham Police Department at

560-4427

or CrimeStoppers at

683-1200

.