19-year-old killed in Olney hit-and-run

OLNEY (WTXF) - Police say they found the vehicle believed to have struck and killed a 19-year-old man in Philadelphia's Olney neighborhood. According to police, the vehicle was recovered on the 500 block of West Duncannon Street. The owner of the vehicle is considered a person of interest at this time. Charges have not been filed.

The fatal hit-and-run occurred on Thursday evening when a driver struck the victim while riding his bike near the intersection of C and Ashdale Streets around 11:45 p.m., according to police.

It's faith that's getting his mom, Gloria Velazquez, through what could be the worst part of her life, the death of her 19-year-old son, Lorenzo.

"I feel empathy and forgiveness towards the individual that did this. As a mom, I do want justice so that it can reflect and it can honor my son Lorenzo."

Philadelphia police say the driver took off towards Rising Sun Avenue after the crash.

Lorenzo Velazquez was rushed to St. Christopher's where he died. Gloria was waiting for her son to come home but learned of the crash when the hospital called her.

"They gave me so much compassion. They cleared the hall that led the room to where he was in. Then I had a mom tap me on the shoulder and said 'I'm sorry for your loss.'" Velazquez said.

Accident investigators went searching for a white two door vehicle with a dented hood after getting surveillance pictures and found the car on West Duncannon identifying it by matching a broken off part of the bumper found at the scene.

"We would never thought it would be so close to home, but last night it hit home. And we just want our justice," Velazquez said.

Lorenzo's family and friends have a message for the driver who never stopped.

"I just want this individual who couldn't think clear or for whatever reason to pay his due to society to be an example and maybe through that he can teach someone else to not make the same mistakes he did."