Police ID Roller Blader Killed In Brooklyn Hit-And-Run
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police have identified the victim of a fatal hit-and-run in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn on Saturday night.
According to police, Michael Joefield, 21, of Brooklyn, was rollerblading on Powell Street and Glenmore Avenue when he was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle at around 8:30 p.m.
Witnesses said driver then kept going, hitting two more vehicles.
Rahma Hassan and her husband, Najee, tell CBS2's Erin Logan they feel like they lost one of their children. Joefield normally practiced mixed martial arts with them on Saturday evenings.
"It's still surreal to me," she said Sunday. "I'm trying to adjust to the fact he's no longer with us."
Najee fought back tears as he talked about Joefield's experience as a student at Sirat Al Sayf studio.
"The kid had so much to offer," he said. "He was a great son to his father, he cared about him. This was a great opportunity for them to bond."
Najee says that's just what they had been doing since November. That all came to an end Saturday night when Joefield was allegedly hit by a vehicle driven by 37-year-old Terrence Smith, of Ohio.
Police say Smith hit several cars before running from the scene. They later tracked him down and took him into custody.
Smith, his passenger, and four others were taken to nearby hospitals. He's charged with Driving While Ability Impaired and and leaving the scene of an accident.
"I pray that wherever he's going, he receives help," Najee said.
The Hassans say they will remember Joefield every day when they do their salutation at class.
"Tomorrow is not promised to you," Najee said. "Do your best with what's given to you today."
