Yesterday, at approximately 11:47 a.m., the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received a call regarding a hit-and-run traffic accident in the parking lot of McDonald’s located at 765 W. Baptist Road in Monument, Colorado.

The Monument Police Department responded and found a severely injured adult female at the scene. Medical aid was rendered by law enforcement and first responders; however, attempts were unsuccessful. The female was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Monument Police Department requested assistance from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, who responded and assumed the investigation at approximately 4 pm this afternoon.

This is an isolated incident, now being investigated as a homicide, and there is no believed threat to the public.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from anyone who was a witness to the incident or has information regarding the suspect.

The suspect, an adult male, was driving a dark in color Chrysler minivan with a light-colored metal trim horizontal stripe down the side. The vehicle had no front license plate, stock silver rims, and significant damage to the front passenger bumper and side. There was possibly a white handicap placard hanging from the front rear-view mirror. The vehicle may also have red paint scuff marks on the front passenger side of the vehicle.

In addition to the adult male driver, there was a female passenger in the front seat of the vehicle as well.

The El Paso County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 47-year-old Kristy Kerst.  We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Ms. Kerst’s family and friends.

Witnesses to the hit and run, or with information regarding this incident or the vehicle in question are asked to call the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at 719-390-5555.

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