Police Search For Toyota That Fatally Struck Woman In Mercer Co.

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Police in Trenton are looking for a Toyota Rav 4 that fatally struck a woman and fled the area earlier this month.

Shydasia Merrick, 26, of Trenton suffered multiple fractures and other serious injuries, police said. Trenton EMS found her on the street in the 800 block of S. Clinton Avenue on June 1 around 4:30 a.m.

At the time it was believed that Merrick suffered a cardiac arrest, and she was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, police said.

Around 8:12 a.m. the same day Trenton Communications received a call from a nurse at the hospital requesting an officer, after doctors and nurses found Merrick had suffered traumatic injuries which appeared consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

When officers arrived at the spot of the crash, they found debris from a motor vehicle crash, police said. No vehicles in the immediate area had damage consistent with being involved in a hit-and-run.

Later police were informed that Merrick was pronounced dead after suffering from a cardiac arrest.

This investigation is ongoing and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office Serious Collision Response Team is assisting.

The Trenton Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. The vehicle has been identified as a 2019-2024 Toyota Rav 4, white in color, possibly an XLE or higher trim with a sunroof and color-keyed mirrors. The vehicle should have sustained damage to the driver's side, including the sideview mirror and headlight assembly.

Anyone with information on this crash is asked to please contact the Trenton Police Department non-emergency line at 609-989-4000 or text our tipline at CRIMES (274637) and enter the word TPDTIPS. Alternatively, tips/information can be emailed to: tpdtips@trentonpolice.net.

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