A 21-year-old Winnipeg man is dead after he was hit by a dark-coloured truck while crossing a street in West Kildonan Friday night.

Police were called to the intersection of McGregor Street and Inkster Boulevard Friday around 6:45 p.m. where the 21-year-old pedestrian was hit and left on the road.

The victim, Cody Joss, was spotted on the road by another driver, who stopped and called police.

"He was an amazing person with a heart of gold," said Jen Duka, Cody's aunt. "He had a kind word for everyone and welcomed everyone into his life with open arms and a great big smile. His brothers and sister lost a great big brother."

A second vehicle travelling in the same direction as the truck passed soon after Joss was hit and the occupants of that vehicle might have information about the incident, according to police.

Constable Jason Michalyshen said Saturday police are hoping anyone who witnessed the crash will come forward.

Police shut down part of the intersection at Inkster Boulevard and McGregor Street after a car hit a pedestrian Friday evening. (Alan Braverman/CBC) "We always remain optimistic, we refuse to give up with respect to identifying the driver and we are optimistic that that will take place," he said.

Michalyshen said along with any tips that come in from the public, he is confident police will turn up clues at the scene of the hit and run that will point the investigation in the right direction.

"There's a lot of work that needs to be done, but there is a lot of evidence that we can potentially gather at the scene."

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to call investigators at 204-986-6271.

Cadet cruiser hit at scene

A cadet cruiser blocking traffic at the scene of the hit and run was struck by a drunk driver just before midnight.

Cadets were assisting investigators by blocking traffic in the area when a Ford Escort hit the side of the cruiser. Police estimate it was going around 70 kilometres per hour when it hit the cruiser.

The 60-year-old man who was at the wheel was arrested and is facing charges for driving while impaired. Two cadets, both inside the cruiser at the time of the collision, sustained minor injuries.