A Norristown man turned himself in Saturday after authorities issued an arrest warrant for his connection to a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 57-year-old pedestrian Brian Clark. Jean Carlos Esmeraldas Cruz, 26, surrendered to police following the tragic incident that occurred on the night of May 19 at approximately 11 p.m. near Main and Astor streets in Norristown, Pennsylvania, as reported by FOX 29.

Police responding to the scene found the victim, later identified as Clark, lying unresponsive in the center median before he was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. In an ensuing investigation, police uncovered the vehicle involved, a black Hyundai Santa Fe, covered by a sheet in an apparent attempt to hide the resulting front-end damage and cracked windshield. It has been registered to Jean Landscaping, LLC. According to an article by 6ABC, authorities located the vehicle on May 20, just a day after the incident.

Cruz, now in custody, is facing charges including Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury, Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury While Not Properly Licensed, and Failure to Stop and Render Aid, among others. "The investigation further revealed that Cruz didn't have a driver's license," detailed the Montgomery County district attorney and the Norristown Police chief, as told to CBS News Philadelphia. Cruz was later arraigned with bail set at $100,000 cash, and the stipulation that he must surrender his passport.

Cruz is expected to appear for a preliminary hearing in early June. The impact of the blow to Clark and its aftermath continues to resonate throughout the Norristown community, shedding light on the often-unmentioned dangers pedestrians face on streets meant to share. Striking a chord with those who walk these paths daily, the incident serves as a somber reminder that safety extends beyond drivers alone.