Arrest made after hit-and-run driver fatally strikes man walking dog in Philadelphia

Thursday, November 7, 2019
110619-wpvi-arrest-in-dog-walker-ax-11pm - CC
110619-wpvi-arrest-in-dog-walker-ax-11pm - CC

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- U.S. Marshals have made an arrest in connection with the hit-and-run death of a man and his dog in North Philadelphia.

Authorities tell Action News that Khalif Moore was taken into custody around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the unit block of West Duval Street in Germantown.

Khalif Moore

Investigators learned Moore was hiding with a family member.

Upon searching the home, U.S. Marshals found Moore hiding in the basement and he was apprehended after a brief struggle.

According to authorities, Moore was behind the wheel of the Pontiac Montana minivan that struck 26-year-old Michael Canals and his dog Rosie as they walked along the 700 block of West Berks Street around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 26.

Michael Canals. Photos provided to Action News by family.

Police recovered the minivan a short time later abandoned on East Cambria Street, but said the vehicle's owner was not the driver.

Canals worked for The Met Philadelphia music venue. Family members said he was a recent graduate of Drexel University who loved music and his dog.

Just three months ago, they said Canals rescued Rosie, who was a stray, after the dog followed him home.

"We're going to bury Rosie with Mike," said his mother Jackie Canals. "She's going to be buried with Mike because that's what she would have wanted. She loved him so much and she was so grateful to him."

Philadelphia police investigate fatal hit-and-run involving man walking dog. George Solis reports on Action News at 10 on Oct. 26, 2019.

Late Wednesday night, Moore was being interviewed by homicide detectives. Charges are pending.

Moore has previously served prison time for drugs and weapon offenses.