A fatal hit-and-run in Philadelphia has left a 46-year-old man dead and authorities searching for the driver who fled the scene, as per local police. According to FOX29, the incident occurred late yesterday night at the intersection of 79th and Ogontz avenues, where the man was found lying in the road around 11 p.m. after being struck and dragged for a considerable distance.
Chief Inspector Scott Small detailed the horrific scene stating, "It appears to go at a high rate of speed when that vehicle did strike the victim and you can see the victim's body being dragged at least 30 or 40 feet in a northbound direction he was hit was such force, he was knocked out his footwear," in information obtained by 6ABC. Witnesses, including one of the victim's friends, saw the tragic event unfold; he told police that after the vehicle struck, the driver initially stopped only to then drive off towards Cheltenham Avenue, leaving behind debris from the car strewn along the street.
Adding to the account of events, a witness described a chilling moment where after the collision, "The driver got out of the car, looked back at the victim then got back in the car and left the scene," according to insight from NBC Philadelphia. This statement suggests a pause, a brief moment of acknowledgment by the perpetrator of the chaos wreaked, before opting to escape rather than provide aid or face the consequences of the deadly encounter.
Further investigations are ongoing with the Philadelphia Police Department diligently working with surveillance video evidence, which shows a white or light-colored sedan that may be the striking vehicle, noted by Small who told NBC Philadelphia it's possible that the car has damage to the driver's side front. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the search for the driver continues amidst a community reeling from a senseless loss. The family and friends of the victim, a neighborhood local known for his routine walks, are left to grapple with the aftermath of an evening turned tragic.
