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Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver In Vineland

By Jan Carabeo

VINELAND, N.J., (CBS) -- Police are on the lookout Monday for the driver who hit a man in Vineland and left him to die in the street.

The hit-and-run accident happened on busy West Landis Avenue near the intersection with Delsea Drive.

Monday afternoon police identified the victim as Armando Lopez, 49, of Vineland. Police say Lopez was a native of Puerto Rico, but had just relocated to Vineland from Bridgeton, N.J.

Now, as cars once again whizz along the 1000 block of West Landis Avenue in Vineland, Lopez's brother has issued an emotional plea to that driver who did not stop.

"Whoever killed my brother killed a good man, just come up, man," Fernando Lopez said.

Police say it was just after 8:30 p.m. Sunday when Lopez was crossing Landis near Delsea Drive. The 49-year-old had crossed nearly all four lanes before police say he was hit just feet away from the sidewalk.

Investigators spent Monday reviewing surveillance video in the area hoping it would show the suspect's car.

"There are three major businesses on the corner of the intersection that have very good surveillance systems, and we're in the process of reviewing them," Vineland Capt. Rudy Beu said.

But police are having trouble tracking the driver since eyewitnesses have given police conflicting descriptions of the striking vehicle.

"When you have multiple witnesses to an incident, you get different accounts, so it takes some time to weed through a lot of the statements," Beu said.

At this point, all police can say is the vehicle has front end damage. Unfortunately, they say no evidence of the vehicle was left at the scene.

The stretch of road in Vineland where this happened is busy and well-lit, and police believe someone in the area knows who this driver is.

"Hopefully someone comes forward with a conscience," Beu said.

Police say Lopez was in construction and owned his own small business. His employees are devastated by the loss.

"That's my father, my friend, my boss, he's everything," Kimberly Ayala said of her boss.

Police are asking for the public's help.

Anyone with information can text VPDTIP and your tip to 847411, or call 856-691-0345.

Tips can be kept confidential. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is also offered.

 

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