Suspect arrested after pedestrian dies in early morning hit-and-run on Mississippi Coast

Authorities have arrested the suspect in a hit-and-run case that police said killed one pedestrian and injured another early Tuesday in Gulfport.

Police found one victim dead and another injured about 12:41 a.m. near Highway 49 and Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport Police Lt. Jason DuCre said.

Gulfport Police on Wednesday arrested Lester Kashif Harrien, 40, in connection to the hit and run. Harrien is facing two counts of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and one count of tampering with physical evidence.

Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer identified the victim as Mohammad Abraheem, 21, of Jordan.

Switzer said Abraheem was staying at a nearby hotel and appeared to be walking to a convenience store when he and the other pedestrian were hit. The injured person was taken to a hospital in critical condition, DuCre said. Abraheem died at the scene.

Witnesses told police that a dark sedan was driving north on Highway 49 and hit the pedestrians. The car reportedly drove off “without rendering aid,” DuCre said.

Police said Thursday that detectives had identified Harrien as the driver of the car. He is being held in the Harrison County jail.

Authorities believe Abraheem and the injured pedestrian were passing through the area and staying in Gulfport for the night, Switzer said.

This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 10:07 AM.