Cops: Hit-Run Accident Costs Local Actor His Leg
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police say a hit-and-run driver left a critically injured man unconscious on Market Street early this morning and they are looking for help in finding out who it was.
The victim is an actor who was scheduled to appear in a production on Penn's campus this weekend.
Sixty-eight-year-old Michael Toner was found lying in the 1100 block of Market Street about 1 a.m., but Captain John Wilczynski, of the Accident Investigation Division, says police are not sure when, or exactly where, he was struck.
"Where he was found was mid-block. Now, he could have been dragged by the vehicle, that's possible, but until we investigate further we're not exactly sure where the accident happened."
Wilczynski says Toner was found by a passer-by and rushed to Jefferson, where his leg had to be amputated.
Director Mimi Kenney Smith says Toner was known for portraying Irish characters.
"He has performed in most of the major theaters in Philadelphia, he's performed in Ireland, he's performed in Maine. He's had a long career."
Smith was directing him a performance this weekend.
"It's a one-person show so there's no way we can continue without him."
Police are asking anyone with information about the accident to call them.