Hit-and-run in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry section leaves 64-year-old man dead; driver at large: Police
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver after a 64-year-old was struck and killed in Grays Ferry on Thursday night, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
The hit-and-run happened on the 2900 block of Grays Ferry Avenue at around 10 p.m. The 64-year-old, who had trauma to his head and body, was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and pronounced dead at 10:12 p.m., Small said.
Small said witnesses told police the man was dragged about 100 feet and knocked out of his boots by the impact of the car.
Witnesses said the vehicle ran a red light and hit the 64-year-old man while he was crossing the street at 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, according to Small.
"They need to put bumpers, speed bumps. They got em' in areas where you don't need them, but then you don't have them where you really need them," Pamela Keith of Southwest Philadelphia said.
"I'm always on a swivel in Philly, man. You gotta ride defensively, walk defensively, be defensive. Look at your surroundings," Hayden Melton of Grays Ferry said.
The vehicle was initially described as a "charcoal color" Dodge Charger. Police have since said they are now looking for a Honda Accord.
Small said surveillance video from a business in the area confirmed the car ran a red light while traveling eastbound on Grays Ferry Avenue. Police also have surveillance video from a SEPTA bus that was nearby, according to Small.
Investigators on the scene found car parts believed to be from the vehicle involved. They also found a cell phone believed to belong to the 64-year-old man.
Police have not yet identified the 64-year-old man who was killed.
The Honda Accord that struck the man is believed to have front-end damage, Small said.