Philadelphia police are investigating an officer who did not assist a man lying in the street before the man was struck and killed by a car. The incident took place early Thursday morning on the 5500 block of Rising Sun Avenue in Olney, according to Philadelphia Police First Deputy Commissioner John M. Stanford.
The 48-year-old man was struck around 1:45 a.m. Stanford stated that police officials only became aware of the crash later that morning when the medical examiner reached out for additional details about the victim.
Crash Details and Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage obtained by CBS News Philadelphia revealed the sequence of events that led to the tragic incident. The video shows the victim walking unsteadily in the bike lane on Rising Sun Avenue before being hit. An officer, who noticed the man, pulled over to speak with him. The officer later left the scene, while the man remained on the ground, partly in the bike lane and partly in the traffic lane.
A civilian witness briefly interacted with the victim and then left. Shortly thereafter, one vehicle stopped, potentially trying to avoid the victim. However, a second vehicle, a green 2023-26 Kia Sportage, proceeded and struck the victim. The driver fled the scene, heading eastbound on Tabor Avenue.
Ongoing Investigations
The officer involved has been placed on administrative duty. He reportedly failed to hold the scene, initiate a report, or provide medical assistance to the victim. Commissioner Stanford described the conduct as “very disturbing” and stated it contradicted the department’s values of empathy and compassion.
Two witnesses moved the victim off the road and called 911. Despite the efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Public Assistance and Appeals
Police are actively seeking the driver and the green Kia Sportage involved in the incident. The public is urged to assist by providing any information that could lead to identifying and locating the driver.
“Wanted: Suspect for Fatal Leaving the Scene in the 35th District”
The officer in question had two years of experience and was assigned to the 35th District. Both the fatal crash and the officer’s actions are subjects of multiple investigations.