Suspect sought after woman in wheelchair killed in hit-and-run in Lower Merion: police
BALA CYNWYD, Pa. - New images provided by Lower Merion police show the suspect and suspected vehicle wanted in connection with a deadly hit-and-run that occurred in Bala Cynwd Monday morning.
Lower Merion police responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle near City Avenue and Conshohocken Road around 2 a.m. Monday.
Upon arrival, officers quickly determined that the striking vehicle fled the scene.
Police say the victim was a 61-year-old former resident of Philadelphia who was unhoused. The victim is said to have been disabled and confined to a wheelchair.
Officials say she was known to frequent the City Avenue corridor in Bala Cynwyd.
Upon further investigation, police say she was ejected from the wheelchair upon impact with the striking vehicle and suffered critical injuries.
Pieces of the broken wheelchair were seen strewn across the street. It’s not clear if she was on the sidewalk or crossing the street.
Officers at the scene performed lifesaving efforts. However, she was pronounced dead at Lankenau Hospital.
The victim will not be publicly identified until all family members are contacted.
Woman in wheelchair killed in hit-and-run in Lower Merion; police seeking witnesses
A driver left a woman for dead after an early morning crash, according to police who are asking for the public's help to find the vehicle.
"This person didn’t deserve what happened" said Lower Merion Township Police Detective Sergeant Michael Keenan. "If you are watching the broadcast and know what you did, It’s time to turn yourself in" he added.
The striking vehicle is described as a late model Toyota Camry, dark colored paint, four door sedan, heavy tint on all windows, with a probable PA registration. The vehicle will have damage to the lower passenger front bumper, passenger front quarter panel, and possibly the passenger side mirror. The vehicle may also have scratches along the length of the passenger side.
"We are asking the public to be on the lookout for this specific vehicle. It will have damage it may not be extensive but it will have damage on the passenger side" said Keenan.
Lower Merion Police say video obtained from the scene shows the driver getting out of his car to inspect the damage before taking off on City Avenue.
The operator of the vehicle and suspect is described as: a Black male, medium build, black Nike brand hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes. The sweatshirt has distinct logo on the chest reading "Just Do It" in large white script.
The striking vehicle was last seen south on City Avenue at a high rate of speed.
Monday night, as cars whiz by yellow crime tape at the intersection where the crash happened, neighbors including those in wheelchairs were left shaken.
"I think about it all the time like people texting, or falling asleep or having a medical problem and they hit me I’m done" said Mike Castle of Bala Cynwyd. Castle who uses a wheelchair to get around says he believes knows the victim.
Police say a passing motorist called 911 and helped stop traffic after the early morning crash. Police are hoping the driver has a change of heart and turns himself in.
"Collisions happen people need to take responsibility for their actions. It’s understandable someone may be scared or upset. It’s in their best interest to turn themselves in" said Keenan.
Anyone with information on the striking vehicle is urged to contact us at 610-649-1000 or 610-645-6228.