Pedestrian Killed on I-81 May Have Purposely Walked Into Traffic, Police Say

An awful situation unfolded on a Central New York highway for several drivers traveling on Interstate 81 in the Syracuse-area. It is believed a pedestrian intentionally walked into a lane of oncoming traffic and was killed after being struck by multiple vehicles.

At at this time, New York State Police are not releasing the name of the individual who was killed, but have identified him as a 20-year-old male from Cicero.

The incident happened on Tuesday night shortly before 7:00 p.m. on I-81 in the town of Hastings, about 25-miles North of Syracuse. Troopers responding to the scene say multiple vehicles were pulled along the shoulder of the highway when they arrived. After interviewing several drivers and examining evidence at the scene, investigators have concluded the pedestrian walked into the lane of traffic purposely.

Police say several vehicles subsequently hit the pedestrian after he was first struck.

Troopers say no criminal charges are expected against any of the drivers involved in the incident. The investigation is continuing.