Authorities locate vehicle in fatal crash

POTTSTOWN >> A pickup truck that allegedly left the scene of a fatal accident March 3 has been located, according to authorities.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office announced March 7 that detectives have located the pickup truck that struck and killed 24-year-old Donald Purnell on Route 100 just before 8 p.m. on March 3.

Detectives were able to locate the vehicle thanks to a tip from the public, authorities said.

A search warrant for the 1994 Ford XLT pickup truck has been signed by a judge and the truck matches a description from a witness to the crash. Authorities said the vehicle has damage to its hood, radiator, grill and bumper and that it is currently undergoing a complete forensic examination. Police said a section of the pickup’s grill was recovered at the scene.

“I want to thank both the media for sharing this tragic story about a young man who was killed walking to work and the individual who came forward to provide information on the pickup truck,” Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said. “That assistance has been invaluable in this investigation.”

No charges have been filed against the driver of the pickup truck at this time and the driver’s name is not being released, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Pottstown Police responded to a report of a pedestrian struck on Route 100 southbound just before the intersection of Shoemaker Road around 7:54 p.m. on March 3.

Upon arrival, police found Purnell, 24, of Pottstown, dead at the scene. Purnell had been walking to his 8 p.m. shift at the nearby Wendy’s fast-food restaurant when he was struck by a vehicle, police said.

The investigation and witness interviews led investigators to believe that a dark-colored pickup truck travelling south on Route 100 struck Purnell at highway speed and immediately fled the scene. Police had been searching for the vehicle and asking for the public’s assistance in finding it since the crash.

A second vehicle struck Purnell, police said. That driver remained on the scene and cooperated with authorities.

As police continue to investigate, friends and family have been working to raise money for the cost of Purnell’s funeral expenses. A GoFundMe page was set up on March 4 and in just three days has raised $10,534 toward its $15,000 goal.

A small memorial with flowers and balloons has also been set up near the Wendy’s restaurant along Route 100 where Purnell was struck.

PHOTOS BY TOM KELLY III — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A cross marks the spot on Route 100 in Pottstown where Donnie Purnell was struck and killed March 3 by an alleged hit-and-run driver.

A memorial for Donnie Purnell is set up along Route 100 at the scene where he was killed in a hit-and-run crash March 3. The scene is right next to the Wendy’s restaurant where Donnie was on his way to work.