Homeless man killed by hit and run driver

Birmingham police are investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred on Woodward Avenue at Forest in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 8. The crash killed Wesley Earl Stamps, 40, known around Birmingham as “Kirk” or “Wes.” He had been homeless, suffering from mental illness and living in the downtown area for several years, with family in Southfield. Several local restaurants fed him on a regular basis, and he was well known to police. According to Birmingham police, around 1:50 a.m. on August 8, Stamps was crossing Woodward near Forest, but was not using a crosswalk. A northbound vehicle struck Stamps, killing him immediately. The driver stopped briefly, then fled the scene eastbound on Maple from Woodward. Police investigators believe the suspect vehicle is a 2013-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, dark or maroon in color. The vehicle will have moderate left front-end damage. The Birmingham Police Department was assisted in their investigation by the Southeast Oakland County Crash Investigation Team (SOCCIT), which is comprised of Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Clawson and Troy police departments. Anyone with information about this crash and its investigation is asked to call the Birmingham Police Department at 248.530.1870 or detective Simpson at 248.530.1770.