Light rail train involved in hit & run

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk Police responded to the first accident involving a light rail train on Thursday.

The accident was reported around 7:30 a.m. at 2nd Street and W. Brambleton Avenue.

Henry Mintz was working nearby, and heard the crash. Mintz said also saw the driver who ended up leaving the scene, "He got out of his car. He walked around the front of it, and looked at the damage. He then got back in the car, made a u-turn, and left the scene."

According to police dispatchers, the car hit the left front quarter panel of the train.

HRT Spokesman Brian Smith had no comment due to the investigation, but gave this reminder, "it is really important for people to obey the lights and signals out there. If you have a red light make sure you don't run a red light."

It may sound like common sense, but it happened this first time and The Tide doesn't officially begin operations until August 19.

At the light rail garage, workers noticed 10 On Your Side and put down the garage door, so we couldn't shoot anymore video of the damaged train.

Mintz said, "I could tell the driver was agitated because when he got out of his car he slammed the car into park and it jerked and rocked the car."

Police are still looking for the hit and run driver, but Mintz got a real good look at him, "He's a tall, thin, older gentleman. He has a mullet hair cut. He has long white hair with glasses. He also had an English style golfing hat."

Call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP if you think you may know who this driver is.