NJ hit-and-run caught on camera

Monday, February 2, 2015
VIDEO: Hit and run
The search is on for a driver who nearly killed a stranger in Mercer County.

HAMILTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- The search continues for a driver who nearly killed a man in Mercer County Sunday night.

Twanda Johnson of East State Street in Hamilton is one of several neighbors who called 911 after a hit and run accident near Victor Avenue in front of Gregory Liquors.

"I was preparing for the Super Bowl and you hear this big thump. And then I'm like wait a minute that doesn't sound right and so I come outside and he's laying out in the street," Johnson said.

Police say 63-year-old Donald Brocak was crossing East State on foot and was almost to the other side when he was hit by a light colored sedan.

The entire incident was caught on tape by surveillance cameras in the area.

"It appears from the video that he's struck on the passenger-side, he goes airborne, strikes the windshield, and it looks like he rolls off the car," Lt. Richard Mastropolo of the Hamilton Police Department said.

Police say immediately after the impact, the driver of the car drove 50 to 70 feet beyond the scene and paused for a second, didn't get out of the vehicle, and then took off.

"I know my daughters, they had to stop traffic because people wouldn't have seen the guy laying in the street," Jones said.

Brocak suffered a compound leg fracture, a broken arm and facial injuries.

He remains hospitalized in stable condition.

As they examine the surveillance tapes, police are asking car repair shops and everyone else to be on the lookout for the vehicle with possible passenger-side hood and windshield damage.

Residents say they are disgusted by someone who would leave an injured man in the middle of the road.

"It's a shame and a pity what's happening with people. People hitting, not taking their responsibility and leaving the scene," Charles Boone of Lawrence said.