Police find vehicle wanted in hit-and-run that injured woman; suspect still sought

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A woman was seriously injured after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Southwest Philadelphia.

It happened around 10:45 a.m. Thursday on Cobbs Creek Parkway at 70th Street.

Police say the 58-year-old woman was crossing the street and was in the middle lane when she was struck.

She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

The striking vehicle, described as a white Ford Mustang with a gray or black convertible top, was found Thursday night.

So far, there have been no arrests in the case.

Michael Dougherty, who works across the street at Crabdaddys, heard the impact of the crash.

"Honestly sounded like cars colliding, we turned around and she was laying there. She was curled up," said Dougherty.

The victim is described by neighbors as a well-known panhandler who has been in this same area for years.

"She's a normal. Normally like three or four of them," said Dougherty.

"That's one of the craziest roads. Even with the speed bumps people still drive crazy on that road," said Sophea Mel of Southwest Philadelphia.

Neighbors say the scene of the accident can be very dangerous.

Speeding has been an ongoing issue for years.

In September of 2020 an advocacy group started a petition demanding PennDOT and the city's Streets Department to implement better safety plans for pedestrians and bicyclists along the parkway.

In August of 2020, a 25-year-old woman was killed while crossing the street.

"This a tough intersection because it goes five different ways and then the traffic light. Not a lot of people see that one there. If you don't wait a couple seconds when the light goes green, it can get tough," said Dougherty.

Anyone with information on the latest hit and run is asked to contact the Crash Investigation Division at 215-685-3180, call 911, or 215-686-TIPS (8477).

Police say there is a $5,000 reward offered by Managing Director's Office for information that leads to an arrest or conviction.