Police Credit Tips From Public In ID Of Driver Involved In OKC Hit-And-Run In Walmart Parking Lot

Oklahoma City investigators identified a hit-and-run driver on Thursday, thanks to tips from the public. The driver was accused of hitting a homeless woman earlier this week in the parking lot of a metro Walmart. 

Police said the 32-year-old homeless victim remains at OU Medical Center. Koty Holmes was recovering from serious injuries to nearly her entire body, according to the police accident report. 

The public led investigators to the suspected hit-and-run driver in less than 24 hours of posting her pictures on social media. The woman was caught on cameras shopping at the Walmart near Interstate 240 and Santa Fe before the crash. Several people witnessed the driver hit and then run over Holmes.

Caller: “I just looked up and I just heard this bang, and he was barreling because he hit her. She’s laying on the ground.”

The 911 calls flooded Oklahoma City police dispatch Tuesday night.

911 Dispatcher: “At 240 and Santa Fe, what’s going on?”

Caller: “A lady just fell out of a car and got run over.”

Caller: “Yeah I-240 and Santa Fe. A lady just got hit by a car in the parking lot.”

911 Dispatcher: “A lady did?”

Caller: “Got hit by a car in the parking lot.”

Police said Holmes was walking in the Walmart parking lot when she was hit and left critically injured. One witness ran to check on the victim.  

911 Dispatcher: “Ok, is she breathing?”

Caller: “Yes.”

911 Dispatcher: “Is she conscious?”

Caller: “Yes, well.”

911 Dispatcher: “OK, thank you. Did you witness this?”

Caller: “I can’t, I don’t even. It happened so fast I don’t remember.”

Several witnesses recalled seeing a white or light-colored car leave the scene.

“That vehicle fled the parking lot,” said MSgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department. “It did not even stop to check on the woman or anything.”

Investigators have since not only identified the driver, but they also found the car she was driving. Police said she had two young passengers in the car the night of the crash.

Police expect to have the suspect in custody soon.