Man Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver While Clearing Snow off His Car
Tragic Incident in Paterson, New Jersey
A man clearing snow off his car in New Jersey was struck and killed when an out-of-control SUV slammed into him and then took off, leaving the New Jersey father to die in the street.
Surveillance Footage Reveals the Tragic Scene
According to police, Abel Herrera, 59, was outside his family home on Alabama Avenue in Paterson around 8:30 a.m. on Monday, getting snow off his car from the night before. The family’s surveillance camera showed an SUV that they believe hit him appear to skid on the slick roadway before striking the 59-year-old.
Driver Fled the Scene
Police said the driver of the other car never stopped. Herrera’s wife was sitting inside the car at the time, as the two were heading to an early doctor’s appointment. The victim’s daughter, Anabel Angon, who was at the airport returning home from vacation when she learned her father had been killed, said, "She was in the car, she saw everything. [The driver] should have stopped and helped him."
Frequent Speeding Problem on the Street
The family said speeding is a frequent problem on the street, and they have addressed it with the city. The victim’s son-in-law said a child was nearly hit just a few weeks ago. "It’s a quiet street. People come and speed…because this road is an exit to Route 80 and people just use it as an escape out of the city," said Paterson City Councilman Luis Velez, adding that he plans to address the issue with the council during Tuesday’s meeting.
Investigation Ongoing
Additional information regarding the investigation was not immediately available. Paterson Police and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.
Loss and Urging the Driver to Turn Themselves In
The victim’s family said nothing will ease their loss, but they urge the driver to turn themselves in. "Just go to police, say it was you. Just think if it was your dad. It’s not fair, it’s not fair for us," Angon said.
Conclusion
The tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of road safety measures to prevent such incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to the driver of the SUV that hit Abel Herrera?
- The driver fled the scene.
- Has the investigation been completed?
- No, additional information regarding the investigation was not immediately available.
- Is the Paterson Police Department investigating the incident?
- Yes, along with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
- Has the city of Paterson taken measures to address speeding on the street?
- The city has addressed the issue with the family, and the victim’s son-in-law has reported that a child was nearly hit just a few weeks ago.
