Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit and skip crash in Licking County

Granville, OH- A 77-year-old Newark man was killed in a two-vehicle crash on State Route 79 Wednesday evening, and the suspected driver fled the scene on foot.

The crash occurred around 6:38 p.m. near mile marker 7 on State Route 79.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Alan Kissel, 77, of Newark, was driving an International Harvester Tractor northbound in the right lane. A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, also traveling northbound in the right lane, failed to maintain an assured clear distance and struck Mr. Kissel’s vehicle.

After the impact, the Chevrolet traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a curb. The driver of the Chevrolet then fled the scene on foot.

Mr. Kissel was transported to Licking Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The suspected driver has been identified as Derek Baldwin, 52, of Des Moines, Iowa. He remains at large.

The Granville Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and was assisted by the Hebron Police Department, Licking County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, West Licking Fire Department, and Heath Fire Department.

The crash remains under investigation.