Police seek driver in hit-and-run fatality / LJWorld.com

Archive for Monday, May 5, 2008

Police seek driver in hit-and-run fatality

May 5, 2008

One man dead after hit-and-run

A Lawrence man is dead following an early morning hit-and-run accident on 6th Street. the two-vehicle crash happened just before 2 a.m. and tonight, police are still searching for the driver of the second vehicle. Enlarge video

One person life-flighted after car accident

A Lawrence man was taken by air ambulance to an area hospital, where he later died, after a car accident near the intersection of Sixth Street and Gateway Drive shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday. Police are seeking the driver of a Jeep that was involved in the accident, which killed Thomas Crum, 60, Lawrence. Enlarge video

A hit-and-run accident early Sunday morning claimed the life a Lawrence man.

Thomas Crum, 60, died after a two-vehicle collision just before 2 a.m. on West Sixth Street, a few blocks east of Kasold Drive.

Crum was driving a 1984 Pontiac east on Sixth Street when his vehicle was struck by what police say was a silver Jeep heading north on Gateway Court. The Jeep fled the scene.

The impact of the collision propelled Crum's car into the side of the Gateway Automotive building, 534 Gateway Drive. Witnesses told police that the Jeep sustained damage to its front end.

Crum was taken by air ambulance to a Kansas City area hospital, where he later died.

Police are still searching for the driver of the Jeep.

Area residents say the roadway is dangerous, and prone to accidents.

"They need to put a stoplight in," said Jared Spradling, who lives nearby. "It's fairly dangerous. There's a blind corner there as you look out" from Gateway Court to Sixth Street.

The accident drew residents out of their homes, as several ambulances and a helicopter were brought to the scene.

Ed Tajchman, a Web developer, said he was up late working on his computer when he heard the commotion.

Initially, he wasn't concerned. "I just assumed, 'Saturday night,' being Lawrence, a college town," he said. "When a million police officers showed up, I realized somebody had crashed."

Police ask anyone with information about the Jeep to call the Lawrence Police Detective Division at 832-7650.

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Bunny_Hotcakes 5 years ago

LFC, this was that Tom Crum.

STEPHANIENKC 5 years ago

freshpowder you live on campus, right?

stargazer 5 years ago

Yes it was the same Tom Crum. He was no longer working there though due to medical issues. Saturday was his 60th birthday. We will miss him.

ckrandle53 5 years ago

justmenowActually, Tom's dad's name was John, and he also had a brother named John. Tom was a wonderful man, and will be missed by many.

Sigmund 5 years ago

Grady (Anonymous) says: "It's sad that that happened. And they really do need to put a stop light at that corner. That wall in front of Sonic creates a nice blind spot."BS, hundreds of drivers everyday negotiate that corner without incident. Yet this guy kills a human being and we need to put a stop light there? In any event he left the scene after he killed a human being. That gets him 3 months in jail served over the summer (at least in Fairchild's court). In the meantime the LPD aren't able to gather evidence of a felony. So lesson to everyone, kill a human being in Lawrence, don't stay around and try and help, run like hell and f'ing Bob Fairchild will cut you a big break and morons like you will defend him online and ask for a stop light.He and you morally repugnant pieces of crap. Anyone who leaves the scene of a serious or fatal accident should be given the MAXIMUM sentence of all proved charges served consecutively, no probation, no parole, no breaks.

workinghard 5 years ago

I think was_ has had too much of something tonight. Want to try to guess what he's on?

stargazer 5 years ago

was_freshpowder, you are so stupid for posting that u did this on this board. I can't wait to see the headlines "LJW poster arrested for hit and run accident" lmfao. Ohhhhh and the name says it all. was_ freshpowder, no wander you ran, you didnt want them to find out you were blowing powder up your arse. I hope you rott in jail. Will miss ya Tom.

cheeseburger 5 years ago

Eride-I guess that depends on your definition of accountable. Joshua Walton was held accountable for the death of Ryan Kanost, and received a sentence which was more commensurate with petty larceny or littering than it was for the taking of a human life. So yes, the guilty party may be found, and he may be held accountable, but don't look for a lengthy sentence in this county!

somebodynew 5 years ago

My guess is was-freash was just "baiting" the board and the LPD. My guess is he didn't have anything to do with it, but had to get involved in the posting somehow. Probably to try to lead the LPD on a wild goose chase - although he should know they wouldn't even have to go the the LJW to find out who he is - most everyone already knows.Just a sick way to try to get some attention on a family's suffering.

geniusmannumber1 5 years ago

Seriously, do people actually think was_freshpowder is really responsible for this? It would be one thing if he was anonymous, but everyone knows who he is, who is parents are, etc. I just assumed he was exhibiting the appalling lack of taste and discretion his parents are known for.

justmenow 5 years ago

To LFCChapelActually I think John was Tom's brother and you guys helped Tom get his cremated remains from Chicago.

hipper_than_hip 5 years ago

Tortas Jalisco is very close to there, as are the Boardwalk Apartments. My gut tells me that someone involved with one place or the other is involved here.

STEPHANIENKC 5 years ago

Uncle Tom was a very kind, giving man who would do anything to help anyone, as he walked in the footsteps of his father. My heart goes out to his son's and I keep them in my prayers. My note to the hit in run driver is: Tom would of stopped to save someone's life without a second thought. Bring resolution and come forward because the worst pain is not knowing. You can bring closure and start the healing process for the family if you would please have it in your heart to do what is right. For this Father, Brother, Uncle, Son, and Friend of many who loves and misses him dearly.

c_dubya 5 years ago

Theory:The runaway driver was likely drunk and realized that if he/she fled until sober, then turned him/herself in later the penalties might be lessened. Depending on the # of DUI's already on this person's record, it might contribute to the instinct to flee.Give them a day; I bet whoever it is turns themselves in.

Soapdish 5 years ago

I don't care their nationality, socio-economic status...none of it. A family friend passed away and someone out there is missing a bumper and KNOWS what they did. IF they have any character whatsoever, they need to show up now and in the meantime, I hope your guilt is riding you out on a rail. RIDICULOUS that we're even speculating this garbage of money or status.Tom is gone and to his family and friends, I am so truly sorry for your loss. R.I.P.

Buggie7 5 years ago

Well looks like we can tell by the spelling and the making sence if freashes blogs that we now know where daddy is hiding his weed stash. This blog isnt about you and your ignorant family so go take another his and watch some tv.

Bookie 5 years ago

Cool: yes, this was "the Tom". He was celebrating his birthday Sat. nite.

petorr 5 years ago

People, Ryan Kanost was killed last year in a very similar circumstance. The driver did the same thing - waited in cold blooded calculation to sober up before turning himself in. Guess what; it worked. The driver basically got away with a slap on the wrist. They should pass a new bill in honor of Ryan: if you wait to turn yourself in for a crime that you committed, in which your sobriety was in question, you should be assumed dui.

Eride 5 years ago

Thankfully very few hit and runs go unsolved. The driver responsible will most likely be held accountable.

Grady 5 years ago

It's sad that that happened. And they really do need to put a stop light at that corner. That wall in front of Sonic creates a nice blind spot.

Fatty_McButterpants 5 years ago

Hipper: So your "gut" tells you that it was either a Mexican or a poor person? Did I misunderstand what your gut was telling you?

LFCChapel 5 years ago

When events like this happen, to people we know....you can only hope that justice will see through. Tom was a great guy, he came into the funeral home for coffee and confab often. I helped him out with a stone purchase for his father John. His arrangements are pending with the Lawrence Funeral Chapel at this time.

cheeseburger 5 years ago

c_dubya - If this person is local, he probably 'learned' how to avoid hard time from the Joshua Walton/Ryan Kanost case. Simply leave the scene, sober up, and then confess the next day to hitting 'something.' This seemingly turns a crime worthy of a multi-year sentence into a slap on the wrist, at least in this county.

OldEnuf2BYurDad 5 years ago

"Tell-tale Heart"Bum-bump.Bum-bump.Bum-bump.Over and over...Had enough yet?Bum-bump...

Thats_messed_up 5 years ago

It was probably someone that had been drinking at Conroy's.

somebodynew 5 years ago

was-OK, now you are trying to distort two thingsPTSD + BS in YOUR situation. You and family have brought all this on yourselves.You made a blatant attempt to insert yourself into a very tragic situation here. I just thank God (whoever) that most of the posters know you and already discount you. Please just go away to Federal Prison.

JDenny1985 5 years ago

Oh, Tom. I will miss you! This person will pay for what he has done. I promise you!

iloveyoutoo 5 years ago

Tom was a very very kind man to me and my family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends during this hard time. I feel that he is in a better place and that he will be missed.

OldEnuf2BYurDad 5 years ago

Open Letter to Jeep Driver:The guilt of hiding will be worse than the criminal penalties of your actions. Turn yourself in before your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors realize that it was YOU who committed the hit and run, and they decide to turn you in. You can't continue to hide from this.