Dog missing after fatal hit-and-run in Juniata Park has been found

JUNIATA PARK (WPVI) -- A dog that went missing following a fatal hit-and-run this week in the Juniata Park section of Philadelphia has been found.

The dog, named Max, was found and returned to the Arroyo family Tuesday morning.

Images shared by the family show the dog reunited with both Osvaldo Arroyo, who was injured in Sunday night's crash, and his 12-year-old special needs son.

"He means everything; he's my baby," Arroyo said.

The reunion came as Philadelphia police continue to search for the driver of a 2008 Mitsubishi SUV that fled the scene after crashing into a Mazda sedan, killing Osvaldo Arroyo's brother Francis.

On Monday, police identified 38-year-old Alberto Vangas of North 9th Street as the owner of the SUV.

Police say it remains unclear who was driving the vehicle at the time and they want to speak to Vangas.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts was asked to contact Philadelphia police at 215-685-3180.

The incident happened at 10:40 p.m. Sunday near the intersection of East Luzerne and I streets.

The brothers had been working on a van when it was decided that Osvaldo would jump into the small Mazda and take his brother home a few blocks away. Max came along for the ride.

"This whole family is very close," said family spokesperson Natalie Hall. "They've always been that way. They've always done things together, the two brothers. They worked on my car, as a matter of fact. They're my mechanics. So it's just a tragic, tragic loss. Now those kids have to grow up without a father."

Police say Osvaldo Arroyo was was pulling out of a parking spot when the vehicle was hit by the Mitsubishi.

Francis Arroyo, who was the car's registered owner, was sitting in the passenger's seat and died at an area hospital.

The dog, Max, ran away after the crash.

But on Tuesday, a neighbor called police describing a dog similar to Max.

The family says Max was sorely missed.

"I'm happy. What happened to my brother...I just thank God I got my dog back," Arroyo said.

42-year-old Francis Arroyo, who was a factory worker, leaves behind two children with a third child on the way.

Osvaldo Arroyo received non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated and released from an area hospital by 6 a.m. Monday.

Police say a person who witnessed the crash called 911 and gave police updates on the location of the striking vehicle.

It was a found few miles away from the crash scene on Rising Sun Avenue near 9th Street.

Meantime, Osvaldo says his brother Francis is looking out for them and helped guide Max home.

"I miss my brother. I know God can't give him back to me, but he's alright where he's at now and he gave me my dog back, I'm happy for that," Arroyo said.