Indianapolis crime: Victim identified in fatal I-465 hit-and-run

Members of the Indiana State Police are seeking the public's help as they investigate a hit-and-run that left an Indianapolis man dead early Sunday on I-465.

According to Sgt. John Perrine, the investigation began at 3:51 a.m. when a trooper was called to a single-vehicle crash with no injuries on the ramp from eastbound I-465 to Harding Street.

Upon arrival, the trooper was told the driver of the car left the scene on foot to get help,  and a passenger, later identified as 21-year-old Jaciel Quiala, was still inside the car.

Shortly after 5 a.m., while the trooper was finishing the investigation and the vehicle was being towed, Quiala declined a ride from the trooper and chose to walk on the ramp toward Harding Street, Perrine said.

Quiala was walking to a restaurant on Harding Street to wait for a ride. As he crossed the ramp, he was struck by a Kia Soul that was traveling at a high rate of speed.

After hitting the passenger, the Kia Soul fled the scene, and the trooper helped Quiala until medics arrived. 

Perrine said Quiala was pronounced dead on the scene.

The suspect vehicle, described as a Kia Soul or similar style SUV with heavy front end damage, drove south on Harding Street.

Police said the car is either blue or black, and the damage should be concentrated around the passenger side headlight.

Residents who have seen matching that description should contact the Indiana State Police at 317-899-8577.

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.