Man killed in crash by car that allegedly fled traffic stop in North Plainfield
NORTH PLAINFIELD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A man riding a bicycle was struck and killed by a driver who police say fled a traffic stop in New Jersey Friday morning.
NewsCopter7 was over several blocks of West Front Street in Plainfield that were all shut down as police investigated the hit and run.
"I always see him every day, and you know, whatever I needed, he always helped me," area business owner Mara Feldman said.
A man that local business owners said was the victim's brother waited behind police tape broken in sorrow after they say he ran to be with his brother.
"He saw his brother basically take his last breath in his arms," Feldman said.
Both the victim and his brother were said to work odd jobs for money.
Initial reports say North Plainfield police tried to pull over a Honda Odyssey, but the driver allegedly refused to stop.
Witnesses say it went speeding down West Front Street, where the 45-year-old victim was hit.
"I tried to look out for him, so he became like friends," Feldman said.
Witnesses say the driver was captured after slamming into an unmarked patrol vehicle.
There's no word yet on why North Plainfield police wanted to stop the driver, but in a matter of minutes, as this unfolded, a brother lost his only sibling, who locals say was a good man trying to make a living.
"He was a young man who would ride his bike up and down the street looking for work," restaurant owner Joshua Muhammad said. "He was stopped and asked if he could sweep up, wash dishes. He actually painted the inside of my restaurant for me about two years ago."
Police have released few details. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
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