Police search for suspect in fatal hit and run

A 54-year-old man is dead and a suspect was on the loose after a hit and run near the Fas Gas in Thorsby, Alta., that occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Friday.

A medium-sized commercial vehicle was seen leaving the area, RCMP “K” Division spokesman Sgt. John Paans said.

Paans said Mounties are trying to obtain security footage of the hit-and-run collision.

The man, an employee of the gas station, was trying to stop or catch the attention of a driver who drove away without paying for gas, said a news release from RCMP on Friday evening.

“The employee was subsequently struck by the vehicle and the vehicle fled the scene,” the news release states.

Next of kin have been notified, RCMP said.

Several Thorsby residents identified the man on social media as Joe but did not provide a last name.

In an interview on Friday, Darelle Donnelly said everyone in Thorsby knew Joe, a friendly man who was loyal to the business.

Whether it was gas, snacks, food or propane, Joe was the man to go to, she said. If anyone forgot their wallet, he would tell them to pay him back next time.

“He was a huge part of Thorsby and will be missed by so many,” Donnelly said.

Thorsby is 70 km southwest of Edmonton.