Rafat Juaidi Obituary, Death – Columbus police are actively investigating a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a man and injuries to two others on Tuesday along Interstate 270.
The victim, identified as 54-year-old Rafat Juaidi, was struck while standing beside his Mercedes Benz on the southbound shoulder of I-270, located just north of East Main Street, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
The collision involved a beige Chevrolet Malibu, manufactured between 2008 and 2012, which hit Juaidi. The force of the impact propelled him into his own vehicle and subsequently into two other adults who were positioned in front of the Mercedes.
Emergency medical services from the Columbus Division of Fire transported Juaidi along with the two injured individuals to Mount Carmel East Hospital. Unfortunately, Juaidi was pronounced dead there at 10:31 p.m.
The other two adults sustained serious injuries, but their conditions were not deemed life-threatening, as reported by the police.
Sgt. Joe Albert of the Columbus police stated in an email that the reasons for the Mercedes being parked on the shoulder remain unclear. The Chevrolet Malibu, involved in the accident, fled the scene without stopping to render aid. Authorities were able to identify the Malibu thanks to parts left behind at the site of the crash.
The police are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 614-645-4767. Alternatively, tips can be submitted anonymously to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.