The Christmas holiday was a dangerous one in Danbury, where police are now investigating two serious crashes involving pedestrians. They said one was deadly while the other was a hit-and-run.

Police were called to Liberty Street near Main Street around 9:20 p.m. Christmas Eve for a person who’d been hit by a car. When police arrived, they said they found the victim down in the road near the sidewalk with life-threatening injuries. That person was rushed to the hospital but later died.

On Friday morning, police tape, paint markings and debris from the car involved were still on the side of the road. Police said the driver remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation, but they also want to hear from anyone who might’ve seen the crash. The area is part of the downtown district, so there are some businesses and offices nearby, but most were closed that night due to the holiday.

Less than 24 later on Christmas night, police were called to another serious crash involving a pedestrian. It happened around 7:40 p.m. in front of 26 Lake Ave., which is a residential area. Police said when they responded, they saw the person who'd been hit was down on the sidewalk, but the car had taken off. Police released a surveillance picture of it, a silver Toyota Prius, and they ask anyone who recognizes it to call them.

Police said the victim, though seriously hurt, is expected to survive.

Witnesses to either crash or the evading vehicle can contact Sgt. Wakeman or Officer Wolen at 203-797-2157.