Police Search for Philly Tow Truck Driver After Deadly Hit-and-Run

Police Search for Tow Truck Driver After Deadly Hit-and-Run in South Philadelphia

Philadelphia police are searching for the driver of a black tow truck after a deadly hit-and-run in South Philadelphia Sunday night.

The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Penrose Avenue and 26th Street, close to an entrance to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Police said the tow truck was traveling westbound on Penrose Avenue when it struck a man.

Investigators determined the vehicle was a dually tow truck, which has four tires on the rear axle. Police used tire tracks and other evidence from the scene to identify the type of vehicle involved.

The victim was dragged approximately 100 feet and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Authorities believe he was experiencing homelessness and was known to people in the area.

Inspector D.F. Pace of the Philadelphia Police Department said investigators believe the driver likely knew that the truck had struck someone.

“It looks like it also skipped the curb and the body was dragged, tragically, along with that vehicle for a considerable distance,” Pace said. “I would be hard-pressed to believe that he was not aware of what had just occurred.”

The driver continued westbound on Penrose Avenue and fled the scene.

Police emphasized that leaving the scene turned the crash into a serious criminal investigation. “Given that the truck fled the scene,” Pace said, “now a crime has been committed.”

Investigators are reviewing surveillance video in an effort to determine which towing company owns the truck and identify the person who was driving it.

The crash occurred near the base of the Platt Bridge, an area heavily traveled by people heading to and from Philadelphia International Airport.

Police have not publicly identified the victim or announced an arrest as of Monday afternoon. The investigation remains ongoing.