NANJING - The suspect behind a string of hit-and-runs in East China has been identified as a local policeman, authorities said Saturday.

Four people were killed while nine others were injured by a car in Jiangsu Province, local police said.

Police received a report about a car ploughing into several pedestrians in a neighborhood in Jingjiang City at 8:27 pm Friday. The victims were rushed to hospital where four died despite medical treatment, while the nine injured are believed to be in stable condition.

The suspect, 57, was caught in nearby Taixing City, where he serves in a local police bureau. Police found that he had taken poison in an attempt to commit suicide. He is still in a coma and is receiving emergency treatment.

Further investigation is under way.