On November 3rd, 2009, at about 6:30 p.m., Phoenix Police officers responded to the area of N. 35th Avenue and W. Wayland in reference to a car/pedestrian accident. Upon arrival officers learned 15 year-old Francisco Elias had been running eastbound on Wayland when he fell or was possibly pushed into the northbound/inside lane of N. 35th Avenue. Francisco was struck by three vehicles, two of which failed to stop and remain at the scene. Francisco was pronounced dead at the scene.
Some witnesses told police that two black males, ages 14-18 and wearing dark clothing, had been chasing Francisco and may have pushed him into the roadway. Currently this incident is being investigated by the Vehicular Crimes Unit, however, if it is determined that Francisco was pushed into the roadway the Homicide Unit would be investigating that aspect of this tragedy.
Police investigators have very little to go on at this time and are asking that anyone who may have information pertaining to this tragedy please call Phoenix Police at (602)262-6151 or Silent Witness at (480)W-I-T-N-E-S-S.
Please remember that your information as a witness to an incident may help solve a case. Even if you don’t see the actual incident, you may have seen a vehicle or someone leaving the scene. Whatever description you have can be very helpful to the investigators so please stay at the scene until officers arrive. If you are following a possible vehicle or person, please do it safely, get the best possible description, and call 911 as soon as possible.