83-year-old man struck by car in West Oak Lane, driver flees
WEST OAK LANE (WPVI) -- An 83-year-old man was struck by a car in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and police say the driver fled the scene.
It happened around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Ogontz and Andrews avenues.
Police say the victim was raking leaves when he was struck by the vehicle.The impact of the crash left the 83-year-old victim sprawled on the ground in pain and neighbors pretty shocked.
"He looked horrible, unconscious," said neighbor James Hayes. "He was bleeding a little but but can't say from where."
Neighbor Jamil Thrower said he saw the impact.
"I came out the door and I was trying to get my phone to work," he said. "and that's when the guy jumped out of the car, he jumped out and ran down Ogontz."
Police said the victim, Joe Williams, was taken to Einstein Medical Center in stable condition with serious injuries.They said he is expected to survive but will have a long recovery.
According to police, this may have started as a road rage incident involving two vehicles. They say one of the drivers lost control, went up on a front lawn, and crashed into the 83-year-old man.
"We don't know if it was drag racing, road rage or a combination of both," said Capt. Malachi Jones of Northwest Detectives. "That's what we don't know."
Chopper 6 over the scene showed the vehicle on the front yard of a home. It was towed away from the yard around 12:30 p.m.
Police say they have spoken with the owner of the vehicle who says he lent the car to a friend.
Police are now searching for the driver.
------
Send a breaking news alert to Action News
Report a correction or typo
Want to comment?
Learn more about the 6abc apps
