This afternoon, April 20, 2022, investigators with the Danville Police Department charged 19-year-old Danville resident Marco Dunzell Banks Jr. with Felony Hit and Run, in violation of Virginia code 46.2-894 in relation to the April 2, 2022, hit and run accident that claimed the life of 26-year-old Tyler Brent Herndon of Danville. Mr. Banks was located and arrested for an outstanding warrant for filing a false police report as well, which is not related to the fatal traffic crash.
This is still an active investigation to gather all evidence, facts, and witnesses. Any citizen who witnessed Mr. Banks on April 2, 2022, in the black 2015 Buick Verano suspect vehicle, has spoken to him, is aware of video of the suspect and vehicle on the accident date, or has details of this incident are still asked to please contact the Danville Police Department.
Additional misdemeanor traffic related charges are expected to be made in reference to the fatal hit and run accident.
Again, thank you to the citizens who helped identify and locate the vehicle, as well as in identifying the suspect as Marco Banks. Any citizen who provides information leading to the successful prosecution of Mr. Banks is still eligible for cash rewards.
Marco Dunzell Banks Jr is being held in the Danville City Jail, currently under no bond.
** April 8, 2022, Previous Release**
With the support of the community, the Danville Police Department has located the black four door vehicle involved in last Saturday's hit-and-run accident on Franklin Turnpike involving a motorcycle, which resulted in the death of 26-year-old Danville resident Tyler Herndon and are now requesting more help from the public.
On April 5, 2022, the Danville Police Department released a photograph of a black 4-door vehicle which they believed may have been involved in the hit and run accident. The citizens of Danville and the region overwhelmingly responded! Hundreds of tips were sent in and some of the supportive and caring members of the community provided invaluable leads which allowed the vehicle to be identified as a 2015 Buick Verano, which was located and is now in the custody of the Danville Police Department. Investigators have worked around the clock to vet the numerous leads and continue to actively investigate this case.
The Danville Police Department wants to thank everyone who called, emailed, texted, messages, or used any means to get information on the vehicle in this case.
The Danville Police Department would continue to ask anyone who saw the suspected driver, knows the suspected driver, spoke to the suspected driver after the incident, saw the suspect vehicle before or after this incident last Saturday and its driver, or witnessed any portion of this accident to please contact the Danville Police Department. A conversation with investigators may help further this investigation to conclusion.
Also, anyone who lives in the area between the Gas House on Franklin Turnpike and Orphanage Rd or any connecting streets running off of Franklin Turnpike between those two streets, including the Shadow wood neighborhood, who has video cameras capturing vehicle traffic, are asked to review the video from last Saturday for the black vehicle photo attached between 3:15 PM and 3:45 PM. Anyone possessing video or who wishes for the Danville Police Department to review your video in that area please contact at the options below.
Anyone providing information that leads to an arrest in this case will be eligible for a cash reward. The platforms include calling patrol at 799-6510, investigations at 799-6508, calling 911, contacting Crime stoppers at 434-793-0000, approach any officer you see, message through social media, or use our crime tips app CARE at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=818#. Information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case will be eligible for a cash reward.
**April 5, 2022, Previous Release**
The Danville Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating and identifying a vehicle involved in a Saturday afternoon motorcycle crash that resulted in serious injuries.
The Danville Police Department responded to a crash involving a motorcycle at app. 3:44 PM Saturday afternoon, April 2, 2022, on Franklin Turnpike near the city limits at Orphanage Road. A 26-year-old Danville resident was operating the motorcycle and received serious and life-threatening injuries in the crash. Witnesses described a small, four-door black sedan with tinted windows as being involved in the crash in some way and leaving the scene before law enforcement arrived.
The investigation uncovered surveillance video and the attached photo is from that surveillance near the crash. This is believed to be the vehicle that was involved. The vehicle may have damage to the passenger side, but the extent is unknown.
Anyone who knows the identity of the driver or the whereabouts of the vehicle in question, please contact the Danville Police Department through any platform. The platforms include calling patrol at 799-6510, investigations at 799-6508, calling 911, contacting Crime stoppers at 434-793-0000, approach any officer you see, through social media or use our crime tips app CARE at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=818#. Information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case will be eligible for a cash reward.