Durham Hit-And-Run: Police Search for Damaged Nissan

Rakesh Babu Poojari, 37, is dead after a vehicle struck him while he stood on the shoulder of NC 147. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Oct. 18, near the intersection of Fayetteville Street in Durham. Poojari was pulled over due to a flat tire. He exited his car to inspect the damage. A following vehicle hit him before he could return to the safety of his vehicle. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Durham Police Department TACT investigators have identified the suspect vehicle as a Nissan sedan or small SUV. The car likely sustained heavy damage to the front bumper, hood, and windshield. Officers collected a Nissan emblem from the crash site. Police believe the driver’s car is now missing that badge. This specific detail may help witnesses identify the vehicle if they see it in the area.

The investigation remains active. Police are asking residents to review their dashcam footage or neighborhood security records. They want to find anyone who saw a damaged Nissan traveling southbound on NC 147 around 10 p.m. on Oct. 18. The department encourages people with information to contact the Traffic and Crash Team directly. No other suspects have been identified. The search for the driver continues.

Poojari’s family has been notified. The stretch of highway is a common route for commuters and delivery drivers. Visibility at night is reduced by streetlights and surrounding buildings. Police say the flat tire forced Poojari to stop in a high-traffic lane. The collision happened quickly. Witnesses who were in the area but did not stop are still being asked to come forward. The case is not closed.