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WILKES-BARRE — An autopsy Monday on the body of Joseph Coleman showed he died from multiple traumatic injuries due to being struck by a vehicle on Saturday, Luzerne County Coroner William Lisman said.

Lisman ruled Coleman’s death a homicide. Coleman’s autopsy was conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Gary Ross.

Hanover Township police said Saturday that Coleman, 21, of Hanover Township, was believed to be walking in the middle of Main Road in the Buttonwood section when he was struck by a vehicle at about 5:45 a.m.

Police said the driver of the vehicle failed to stay at the scene, and drove away headed north on Main Road.

Police Chief Al Walker could not be reached for comment Monday. It is not known whether investigators were able to learn the type and make of the fleeing vehicle, or if anyone has been questioned.

Police did not release any photos of a vehicle that may have been involved.

Saturday’s fatal hit and run crash is the second for township police this year.

Larry Herbert, 61, of Wilkes-Barre, was struck by two vehicles in front of Claire’s Tavern on Hazle Street on April 3.

Police said Herbert left the tavern and walked across Hazle Street when he was struck by a dark colored SUV traveling north. Herbert was knocked down and lying in the southbound lane of Hazle Street when he was struck by a silver colored Jeep Cherokee, police said.

Police said neither the driver of the dark colored SUV nor the Jeep stopped.

Herbert was transported to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, where he died shortly after arrival.

An autopsy showed Herbert died from multiple traumatic injuries. His death was ruled a homicide.

No charges have been filed in Herbert’s death.

This is the northbound vehicle police are seeking in connection with the April 3 hit-and-run death of Larry Herbert in Hanover Township.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Northbound-SUV2.jpg.optimal.jpgThis is the northbound vehicle police are seeking in connection with the April 3 hit-and-run death of Larry Herbert in Hanover Township. Courtesy Hanover Township police

By Edward Lewis

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Reach Ed Lewis at 570-991-6116 or on Twitter @tledlewis.