Newport man arrested after alleged hit-run in Walmart parking lot

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A Newport man has been arrested for allegedly hitting a pedestrian with his car in a Walmart parking lot and fleeing the scene Wednesday evening, authorities say.

Just before 9 p.m., Newport police responded to the reported motor vehicle versus pedestrian crash.

Officials say further investigation revealed the driver, identified as 44-year-old Larry Janz II, was purposefully following the victim from his car. The victim was also in their car at the time, but after pulling into the Walmart parking lot, got out of the car in the middle of a lane of travel.

Janz II then allegedly sideswiped the victim’s car, injuring them in the process, and left the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital by helicopter with severe injuries, officials say.

Officers later found Janz II at his home and took him into custody at the Lincoln County jail on the charge of failure to perform duties of a driver to injured persons.

The incident is under investigation and no other information has been released at this time.

If anyone has information in this case, they are encouraged to contact Newport Police.

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