Driver who fatally struck kennel owner chasing after dog turns self in, police say

SALT LAKE CITY — A driver suspected of hitting and killing a kennel owner who chased after a dog into a busy road has turned himself in, police said.

Salt Lake City detectives did not release the name of the hit-and-run suspect Sunday, but said he came forward to police and is cooperating with the investigation into the death of 73-year-old Joe Burford.

Burford died Saturday morning, police confirmed, after he was hit by a southbound Ford truck Friday evening near 1657 N. Beck St. He had been in critical condition immediately following the crash.

Burford was returning a leashed dog to its owner when it ran into traffic and Burford followed it, according to police. The driver momentarily got out of the vehicle to check on Burford before fleeing, with a boy estimated to be about 10 years old in the front passenger seat, Salt Lake police said.

Burford's daughter Becca Hasson said Saturday her dad was a wonderful man and she does not blame anyone for his death.

"It could have happened to anyone," she said.

It was not clear how the dog fared.

The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office will review the case to determine whether to file criminal charges, Salt Lake City police said Sunday in a tweet.

— Annie Knox

from Deseret News http://bit.ly/2Q3mJJK