One of the three pedestrians involved in a hit-and-run crash on the city's south side earlier this month has died.
The victim, who was in critical condition, died Friday night after being in the hospital since the crash on Wednesday, Oct. 9. He was identified as 42-year-old Justin Lee Romaine in a news release from the Des Moines Police Department Saturday.
This is the 14th traffic fatality of 2024 in Des Moines.
The other pedestrian, a 45-year-old man who was in serious condition, remains unidentified. The third pedestrian, a 25-year-old man, sustained a minor foot injury and declined medical assistance.
The driver of the minivan involved in the crash remains unidentified. The owner of the minivan was identified as 32-year-old Renato Virves last week. Police have still not located Virves and continue to ask the public to help in the search.
Virves, who has a distinct right eye, is 5-foot-3 to -5 inches tall and weighs 130 to 150 pounds, police said. Virves is known to wear a silver grill on his teeth. Police said he last lived on Des Moines' south side.
Anyone with information is asked to call 515-283-8382. You also can submit anonymous tips at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com or submit a tip on the Des Moines Police Department app.