Suspect Arrested After Fatal Hit & Run In Allston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The driver suspected in a deadly hit and run crash that killed an elderly man in Allston is now in police custody.
Police say the man died after he was hit by an SUV while crossing Commonwealth Avenue around 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The driver did not stop at the scene, according to Boston Police, but they later found the SUV, a black Jeep, parked a mile from the scene nearby in Brighton, with a cracked windshield and front end damage.
The suspected driver, 23-year-old Phocian Fitts, was taken into custody late Wednesday night. He was charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident.
Fitts' mother says he told her he was "so scared."
A description of the vehicle, information and plate went out shortly after the incident, helping the Police Department make "a quick discovery of the vehicle," according to Boston Police Commissioner William Evans.
The investigation shut down a stretch of Commonwealth Avenue for more than four hours.
The man in his 80s was walking in a crosswalk at the time of the crash.
"It's unfortunate. The 80-year-old was crossing in the crosswalk, a car came and took his life and took off," Evans remarked.
The victim was transported from the scene to St. Elizabeth's Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, police said.
An eyewitness at the scene of the crime recalled a registered nurse who happened to be nearby tried to help the victim, but it was too late. "The nurse basically said don't touch him. She's being doing it for 20 years don't start CPR or anything like that he already is gone."
Reckless driving is not uncommon in the area. "Coming down towards Harvard Ave cars can definitely pick up speed and I've had cars run that light. Even if the walk sign came on," one Allston resident said.
The Boston Police Department is asking for the public's help. Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have heard or seen anything is urged to contact Boston Police at 617-343-4470.
