Drag racers sought in hit-and-run death of high school vice-principal in New Jersey
PISCATAWAY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Authorities say they are searching for the drag racers who were involved in the hit-and-run death of a beloved vice principal in New Jersey.
49-year-old Tyrone Harrison of Somerset, a vice-principal of New Brunswick High School, was killed Saturday night on Stelton Road near Ethel Avenue in Piscataway.
"I have to have forgiveness in my heart," said his wife, Dr. Adrienne Harrison, who has no patience for bitterness and no room for anger.
Tyrone Harrison, her husband of 23 years, was killed when a drag racing driver lost control of his car.
Sitting in their favorite neighborhood restaurant Wednesday night, Dr. Harrison struggled to stay strong.
"He wouldn't want me to be mean-spirited and evil, thinking I'm going to get this person and they're going to pay," she said. "That's not the way he was."
WATCH MORE OF THE INTERVIEW WITH DR. HARRISON:
It happened as he was walking from the Edison train station to his brother's home just after 9 p.m. on Saturday night, just as two cars were drag racing down the street.
The two cars are difficult to see on surveillance video but investigators say one of the drivers lost control and jumped the curb.
The car, a Honda Accord, was later found abandoned after the driver took off.
Harrison died at the scene. He was a lifelong mentor to young people and the beloved vice principal of New Brunswick High School.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey says the racers were part of an organized group called "78 Imports."
"There were people there, they know exactly what happened and it would be helpful if they came forward and filled in the details," said Carey.
Carey says evidence is still being gathered. Adrienne Harrison is urging the driver to come forward.
"If you come forward maybe it'll stop this from ever happening again," she said. "And people won't drag race there and a few more people will be spared and that kind of thing, and I forgive you. God bless you, as well."
Police are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Officer Robbins at (732) 562-7652 or Detective Berman at (732) 745-4328.
New Brunswick Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aubrey Johnson released a statement: "As a school district, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Harrison's family. This obviously is a difficult time throughout New Brunswick Public Schools, and we've arranged for grief counselors to be available to students, faculty, and staff."
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