Portland police name victim of fatal hit-and-run, driver remains at large

Key points

• Nichele Roakes, 57, was struck by a vehicle while crossing Forest Avenue near the Hannaford entrance at approximately 9:18 p.m. on August 24.
• The Portland Police Department confirmed the victim's identity on August 31, after initially withholding the name pending family notification.
• Witnesses described the vehicle as a dark-colored pickup truck that fled toward downtown Portland after the collision.
• Police have not yet identified the driver and are requesting dashcam, surveillance, or doorbell camera footage from the area.
• Community members, including homeless advocates, have spoken out about Roakes, describing her as a regular recipient of aid at local outreach sites.

Background

This incident follows a series of fatal traffic accidents in Maine earlier in August, including a plane crash in Bristol that killed a pilot and injured a passenger. The current case highlights ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety and hit-and-run investigations in urban areas.

How outlets are covering it

WMTW and WGME reported the identification of the victim and the ongoing police appeal for video evidence. The Portland Press Herald provided background on Roakes, noting that a local homeless advocate had seen her regularly for six years. The Bangor Daily News reported the initial crash details but withheld the victim's name at the time of publication, citing police protocol.

Why it matters

The case underscores the critical need for public cooperation in solving hit-and-run crimes, where video evidence often serves as the primary tool for identifying suspects. It also highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians in urban areas and the impact of such incidents on local communities.

What to watch

Police are continuing to review any submitted video footage and are urging the public to contact them with any information. No suspect has been identified as of the latest reports.