PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA — Philadelphia police are searching for a tow truck driver accused of leaving the scene after a deadly hit-and-run crash in South Philadelphia.
The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. Sunday at South 26th Street and Penrose Avenue, near the George C. Platt Memorial Bridge and an entrance to the Navy Yard.
Victim Struck and Dragged About 100 Feet
Police said a black tow truck was traveling westbound on Penrose Avenue when the driver struck a man in the roadway.
Investigators believe the victim may have been in the middle of the crosswalk at the time of impact.
Police said the victim was dragged approximately 100 feet before the tow truck fled the scene westbound on Penrose Avenue.
Medics tried to save the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Believe Vehicle Was a Dually Tow Truck
Investigators said evidence at the scene, including tire tracks, indicates the vehicle involved was a dually tow truck.
“We were able to determine that the vehicle itself was a dually tow truck based on tire tracks and some other evidence,” Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace said.
A dually tow truck has four tires on the rear axle.
Police said they do not yet know which tow company the truck may be affiliated with.
Officials Say Driver Likely Knew Something Was Hit
Inspector Pace said investigators believe the driver likely knew the tow truck had struck something or someone.
“It looks like it also skipped the curb and the body was dragged, tragically, along with that vehicle for a considerable distance,” Pace said. “I would be hard-pressed to believe that he was not aware of what had just occurred.”
Pace said leaving the scene turned the crash into a serious criminal investigation.
“Given that the truck fled the scene, and this is true of any incidents of a hit-and-run, now a crime has been committed,” Pace said. “Now the person is going to be sought as a person who committed a very serious crime.”
Victim Had Not Been Identified
Police said the victim had not been publicly identified.
Investigators believe he may have been experiencing homelessness and was known to people in the area.
Crash investigators are reviewing surveillance video to determine where the tow truck went after the crash, what company it may belong to, and who was driving.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Philadelphia police.
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