Driver wanted in hit-and-run that killed Wilmington woman near Leland

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — One person is dead and a suspect is on the loose after a hit-and-run on US 17 early this morning.

The NC Highway Patrol says the accident happened around 12:33 a.m. near Leland

Sgt. P.M. Sanders with Highway Patrol says the accident happened in the southbound lane of 17 near Lanvale Road.

Sanders said the victim, identified as Barbara Jean Cusatis, 71, of Wilmington, was driving a 2019 Volkswagon Beetle when she ran out of gas.  When Cusatis stopped the car, she didn’t engage the parking brake. The car was on an incline and rolled backwards, knocking her down into the road.

A car traveling south on US 17 hit Cusatis as she was lying in the roadway and then drove off.

Investigator believe the suspect was driving a 2014-2015 Chevrolet Camaro with front end damage.

Contact the Highway Patrol office at (910) 395-3917 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or the Highway Patrol Communications Center after hours at (910) 862-3133 if you know anything about the crash.