Suspected hit-and-run driver surrenders to KCSO

Ali Rochelle Giannini had been listed as a ‘person of interest.’ She’s now in Kitsap County Jail.

PORT ORCHARD — Ali Rochelle Giannini, a “person of interest” in the hit-and-run collision that killed pedestrian Michael Keaton in South Kitsap July 14, surrendered to Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office investigators on July 16.

Giannini, 29, was accompanied by an acquaintance when she met with investigators at a prearranged location. After turning herself in, the suspect — who had been labeled a person of interest by law enforcement — was booked and placed in Kitsap County Jail on $1 million bail.

Deputy Scott Wilson, Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said Giannini will be charged with a felony hit-and-run causing death charge.

On Sunday, July 15, the suspect’s car was found in Pierce County and impounded by investigators, who determined the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze was the vehicle that hit and killed Keaton.

Keaton, of South Kitsap, was struck by the car while walking southbound on the northbound shoulder of Sidney. Deputies and investigators from the Sheriff’s Office traffic investigation unit reported he had been a safe distance from traffic, walked against traffic and was wearing a brightly colored shirt and reflective vest. He was well-known to commuters on the route for his daily walking regimen.

When sheriff’s deputies arrived at the accident scene, they found Keaton lying on the side of the road. He was pronounced dead by authorities.

Deputies later located surveillance video showing the white car traveling northbound on Sidney at 6:51 a.m. just before the incident.