Father of 5 killed in North Philadelphia hit-and-run; driver sought

NORTH PHILADELHIA - Police are investigating following a deadly hit-and-run in North Philadelphia.

The incident occurred just after 10 p.m. Monday on the 2900 block of North Broad Street.

Police said the victim was crossing midblock when he was struck by the driver. Officers discovered Karon Underwood, 36, in the inner southbound lanes, suffering from head trauma and completely unresponsive. Underwood was pronounced dead a short time later. 

According to investigators, Underwood was not in a crosswalk. 

"You still have time to do the right thing and turn yourself in. If you're not sure of what you hit and you have damage to your vehicle and you were on the 2900 block of North Broad Street last night, please come forward," Philadelphia Police Captain Mark Overwise said.

Police are searching for the driver who fatally struck 36-year-old Karon Saleem Underwood in North Philadelphia.

Underwood, of the 4700 block Leiper Street, also had relatives in South Jersey. They say he called between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday  to say he’d been attacked by the mother of one of his children and was told to go to the hospital.

"He reported that he was stabbed. His baby mom had stabbed him up really bad. He wanted to know what to do," cousin Nicole Underwood said.

Police say the medical examiner’s preliminary report shows the car-strike was the death blow, but stab wounds may be found in a full examination.

Underwood was struck by someone driving a newer model gray or silver SUV, potentially with a New York license plate, according to authorities. Broken car parts were recovered from the scene.

Underwood is survived by his five children, ages 2 to 13, FOX 29's Steve Keeley reported.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact police.

No arrests have been made at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.

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