TOWN OF LEWIS (WKTV) - State Police in Lowville are on the hunt for a man they believe killed a woman in a fatal hit and run accident on the border of Northern Oneida County into Lewis County.

The women is 54-year-old Debra Royce of Holland Patent. No other details regarding this women have been released at this time.

State Police say they are searching for Royce Beck, 41, of Ava, who they believe hit the woman with his truck on Osceola Road in West Leyden around 11 p.m. last night. He is also said to go by the name of "Edward Beck."

Police say that despite the very rural area where the accident took place, someone did witness the hit and run, as they called 911 last night, bringing authorities to the scene.

However, police also say Beck got a 27 minute headstart before they arrived to the scene.

According to the New York State Criminal Justice website, Beck is a Level 2 sex offender, and was arrested in January 1997 for sexual abuse against a 16 year old girl. He is described as 5'9", with a tattoo.

Throughout Thursday morning, search crews canvassed an area off of Route 26 along East Ava Road in the Town of Ava. Police say they found the truck they believed was used in the fatal hit and run at Beck's house on West Ava Road.

Police believe the woman used to date Royce Beck, and as of Thursday evening, were awaiting confirmation following an autopsy.

Anyone with information should contact the State Police in Lee 315-337-0036 or Troop D Headquarters Oneida 315-366-6000.