Hit-and-run driver kills pedestrian crossing North Broad Street, police say

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police are searching for the hit-and-run driver who killed a man crossing North Broad Street Sunday night in North Philadelphia. Investigators located the car but not the driver.

Around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, authorities said a 56-year-old man was crossing Broad Street, near West Pike Street, when he was hit by a car at the center median.

The victim was brought to a nearby hospital, where he was almost immediately pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet identified him.

However, police were able to identify the vehicle.

“There are a number of cameras in the area,” said Inspector D.F. Pace, “and the vehicle left portions of [itself] on the roadway. Based on that and some information from surveillance and other sources, we were able to identify the vehicle. We were able to locate it and it is currently in police custody.”

The driver is still at large. Police did not say whether the driver was speeding or driving recklessly.

Pace noted the victim did not use the crosswalk. He said pedestrians must adhere to safety measures, and drivers must be vigilant too, especially at night.

“Crosswalks are there for a reason,” Pace continued. “Driving is a very serious responsibility. Always be aware of your surroundings, because you’re behind the wheel of a very powerful machine that can do damage. Not to mention that not all pedestrians, necessarily, are doing what they need to do to lower the risk of [accidents].”