Police: Driver charged after crash kills pedestrian in NE Philly

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police have charged a driver involved in a two-car crash that left a pedestrian dead in Northeast Philadelphia.

Nicolas Schinella, 24, of Robbinsville, New Jersey, was charged with Homicide by Vehicle while DUI; Involuntary Manslaughter, Causing Death while not Properly Licensed, and related offenses.

The crash happened late Thursday morning along Roosevelt Boulevard at Southampton Road.

The victim, 52-year-old Stanley Anderson, lived just up the block at a drug and alcohol treatment facility. He was doing well in his recovery but, in a terrible coincidence, was killed by someone who police say was driving under the influence.

Michael Salmon was one of Anderson's roommates at the Self Help Movement. He came out just after 11:30 a.m., saw police, and learned his friend had been hit and killed while waiting for the bus.

"I just recently talked to him, and to know that he's not here no more, and what really happened blows my mind," he said.

Witnesses told police the driver of a green pickup truck, identified as Schinella, ran the red light at the intersection and collided with a white sedan.

The truck jumped the curb and hit Anderson, who was standing on the sidewalk in front of the bus stop. He died en route to the hospital.

Previously homeless, Anderson had lived at the treatment facility for 10 months and was turning his life around.

"He was happy because he just heard about a new job position, and he was happy because he was a little down about financing, but things were working out better for him. I wished him well. We were laughing about it. That was last night and then..." said Salmon.

"He was on the right track, because he was changing his life and he had good people backing him, as far as helping him for whatever treatment he was receiving, it was working."

Officials at the treatment facility tell us Anderson leaves behind a daughter and other family who live here in Philadelphia.