Name released in pedestrian death; law enforcement looking for pickup that fled scene

A Knox man was killed in a pedestrian - truck collision that has authorities in Starke County looking for a black pickup that left the scene.

Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, deputies with the Starke County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the area of County Road 350 West and County Road 500 South, near North Judson, after receiving a report of an unresponsive individual lying alongside the roadway. Emergency responders located a deceased individual who was identified as Phillip Land, 45, of Knox. Based on the initial investigation, responding deputies observed injuries consistent with Land having been struck by a motor vehicle.

The Starke County Sheriff's Office says investigators are committed to identifying and apprehending the individual responsible for this incident. The sheriff's office is asking the person(s) responsible to do the right thing by contacting the Starke County Sheriff's Office and speaking with investigators. 

Based on evidence recovered during the investigation, detectives believe the suspect vehicle is a black 2016–2024 Nissan Titan XD pickup truck. Investigators believe the vehicle will have damage to the front passenger-side corner, including damage to the headlight assembly.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Starke County Sheriff's Office. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact the Sheriff's Office Tip Hotline at 574-772-5958.

This investigation is being conducted by the Major Crimes Unit (MCU75) Group.