Philadelphia Police Investigate Officer’s Role in Fatal Hit-and-Run

Philadelphia police are conducting an investigation into an officer accused of failing to assist a man who lay in the street before being hit and killed by a car. The incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Rising Sun Avenue in the Olney neighborhood.

First Deputy Commissioner John M. Stanford provided details during a press conference. The crash was only reported to police later in the morning after contact from the medical examiner’s office.

Surveillance Video

CBS News Philadelphia obtained surveillance footage showing the officer leaving the man on the street before the fatal hit-and-run. The video depicts the victim walking unsteadily in the bike lane prior to the collision.

When the officer, who was driving nearby, spoke to the victim, the man fell onto the roadway, partially in the bike lane and traffic lane. After allegedly interacting with the victim, the officer returned to his vehicle and departed while the man remained on the road.

Witness Involvement

Stanford mentioned a civilian witness conversed briefly with the victim at the scene. As a vehicle possibly avoided the victim, another car moved into the bike lane and struck him.

Vehicle and Driver Search

The involved vehicle is described as a green 2023-26 Kia Sportage. Authorities seek this car and driver, who fled eastbound on Tabor Avenue post-crash.

Upon the crash, two witnesses relocated the victim from the road and notified emergency services, leading to the victim’s transport to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Stanford appealed to public assistance in locating the driver and the vehicle.

Officer’s Conduct Review

The same officer, who first engaged with the victim, responded to the crash scene. This officer, now on administrative duty, allegedly failed to secure the scene, initiate a report, or deliver medical aid.

Stanford expressed concern over the incident, noting it contravened police values of empathy and compassion. He withheld the names of both the officer and the deceased.

An internal review of the officer’s actions accompanies the ongoing crash investigation. The officer, with two years of service, operated in the 35th District.