Family in mourning after man killed in Bridgeton, NJ hit-and-run

BRIDGETON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that left a 58-year-old man dead Saturday night along East Broad Street in Bridgeton, Cumberland County.

Police identified the victim as Pedro Chavaz. Officers responded to the scene around 9:30 p.m. and found Chavaz lying on the shoulder of the road with severe head and facial injuries.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim's daughter, Miriam Chavaz, said, "He was hit by a car. He went to buy groceries, according to the police. He was on his way to his rental when the car passed by and hit him."

Miriam told Action News that her father had just visited a nearby Wawa and was walking home when the crash occurred.

She learned of the incident after receiving a call from her mother, who lives in Guatemala and was unable to reach Pedro.

She described her father as a hardworking man employed at a local farm, saying the family is devastated by his death.

Police believe the vehicle involved likely has damage to the front passenger side and windshield. Drivers in the area expressed concern about safety along East Broad Street.

"People just driving crazy nowadays," said Bob Chan of Bridgeton.

Chavaz's family said police informed them that a suspect is in custody. Authorities have not yet released further details.

The investigation is ongoing.