Thursday, June 30, 2016

NOWHERE SAFE: Pedestrian waiting for the bus is killed after vehicles collide in NE Philly; DUI suspected




Police tell Action News that around 11:40 a.m. Thursday two vehicles were involved in an accident which also injured a pedestrian. (WPVI)





Updated 32 mins ago
NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A pedestrian was killed after a crash involving two vehicles in Northeast Philadelphia on Thursday morning.

It happened at 11:40 a.m. along Roosevelt Boulevard at Southampton Road.

The victim, 52-year-old Stanley Anderson, lived just up the block, at a drug and alcohol treatment facility. He was doing well in his recovery but, in a terrible coincidence, was killed by someone who police say was driving under the influence.

Michael Salmon was one of Anderson's roommates at the Self Help Movement. He came out just after 11:30 a.m., saw police, and learned his friend had been hit and killed while waiting for the bus.

"I just recently talked to him, and to know that he's not here no more, and what really happened blows my mind," he said.

Witnesses told police the driver of a green pickup truck ran the red light at the intersection and collided with a white sedan.

The truck jumped the curb and hit Anderson, who was standing on the sidewalk in front of the bus stop. He died en route to the hospital.

Previously homeless, Anderson had lived at the treatment facility for 10 months and was turning his life around.

"He was happy because he just heard about a new job position, and he was happy because he was a little down about financing, but things were working out better for him. I wished him well. We were laughing about it. That was last night and then..." said Salmon.

Police tell Action News the 24-year-old driver of the pickup truck is being charged with driving under the influence, an irony not lost on Salmon, considering the treatment his friend was receiving.

"He was on the right track, because he was changing his life and he had good people backing him, as far as helping him for whatever treatment he was receiving, it was working."

Officials at the treatment facility tell us Anderson leaves behind a daughter and other family who live here in Philadelphia.