Authorities ID woman 'intentionally' struck, killed by hit-and-run driver after trying to stop auto theft in Tosa

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wauwatosa police are on a hunt for the driver who fatally struck a woman near North Avenue and Mayfair Road Thursday morning, Oct. 14.

Authorities say the 47-year-old woman died on scene after being intentionally struck by a vehicle that then fled the scene.

Police released the name of the victim Friday, Oct. 15, as Sunita Suratu Balogun-Olayiwola of Oshkosh.

People who saw the scene are still in shock. We spoke to one witness who rushed down to try and help the woman.

"I wasn't able to sleep last night, I couldn't sleep knowing this lady was out here, like, it's sad," said witness Brooklyn Holmes.

Holmes lives at the Mayfair Reserve apartment complex. She walked out on the balcony only to see a tragic incident unfold.

"No one deserves this, it's out of order," she said.

Around 1:50 a.m. Thursday, Wauwatosa police dispatchers received simultaneous reports of an attempted auto theft at the Holiday Inn.

Shortly thereafter, a call about the pedestrian being struck was phoned in to Wauwatosa police.

Police now say the attempted auto theft and the hit-and-run are related. They say the victim tried to intervene in the attempted theft and was struck by a dark-colored SUV.

"He reversed back and ran over the lady," said Holmes. "As he decided to go forward, he kind of drug her body a little bit."

The suspect vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound on W. North Avenue at a high rate of speed around 1:50 a.m.

Police are withholding the victim's identity at this time, pending notification of her next of kin.

Anyone with information or surveillance video is asked to contact the Wauwatosa Police Investigative Division at 414-471-8430.

To remain anonymous, contact the Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers at 414-771-TOSA.

You could be eligible for a cash reward.