The driver's van is a similar make and model as this one (this is not a photo of the actual vehicle)

In my column today about the hit-and-run death of 85-year-old Frances Gordon, I promised readers I'd post information from the Cheltenham Police Department about the incident, which they've detailed in flyers they've circulated throughout the Elkins Park area.

Here's what's on the flyer:

On Monday November 30, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.,  the Cheltenham Township Police Department received a report of pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Church Road just east of Old York Road in the Elkins Park section of Cheltenham Township.    The female victim was taken to Abington Hospital by Cheltenham EMS and pronounced dead a short time later.   

The victim has been identified as:   

                    Frances Gordon
                    Female, 85 years of age
                    Unit block of Surrey Road
                    Elkins Park, PA 19027

Witnesses at the scene supplied investigating officers with a description of the vehicle and driver that struck and killed the female.   The description of the striking vehicle and driver is as follows:

VEHICLE:               
    White cargo/work van,
    Possibly Ford, 2000-2007
    Rear tinted windows
    Slotted silver rectangular grille
    No markings, lettering or windows on the side. 
    Possibly equipped with ladder rack and/or ladder. 
    May have small chrome hubcaps. 
    May have minor front end damage to the driver’s side front and/or grille area.

SUSPECT:               
    White male
    45-55 years of age
    Tall
    Thin build, Clean shaven,    
    Short white/gray receding hair
    Last seen wearing jeans, sweatshirt.   
    After striking the victim, the driver stopped, got out of his vehicle, looked around and then fled in the van eastbound on Church Road.  

The Cheltenham Police Department is asking for help from the public with any information on the striking vehicle and the driver.  Anyone with information is urged to contact: Cheltenham Township Police Department at 215-885-1600 ext. 1

 Anonymous information can be provided by phone at 215-885-1600 ext. 777 or the anonymous crime tip line.