Elderly Man Dies In Hit And Run After Pushing Wife Safely Out Of The Way
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — California Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly hit and run that happened at the intersection of Palm Street and Arnold Avenue in McClellan Park.
The incident happened just after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Michael Joiner has seen other accidents like fender benders happen in this area, but nothing like this.
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"Most of them are people just turning here, going too fast," Joiner said. "I walked out here and I seen the body in the street."
The California Highway Patrol says the 73-year-old man and his wife crossed the intersection on the way to a dental appoint at the VA Dental Clinic. A spokesperson said that as a dark-colored Chevy pickup truck raced towards them, the man pushed his wife out of the way to safety.
The man was hit and killed by the truck.
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Some say these streets are notorious for speeding near the VA and other businesses.
"This place is a race track and people know we have the VA clinic here and the dental clinic," Cassandra Flemister said. "So if you see an old person with a walker or a little scooter or wheelchair just be cautious."
Joiner and others call this man a hero for his actions.
"He's a hero in my eyes; somebody that pushes, somebody that sacrifices their self for somebody else," Joiner said.
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"So, if not, you'd probably have two bodies," Flemister said.
Joiner told CBS13 the driver of the truck that killed the 73-year-old man should admit what they did.
"The guy that hit this gentleman is a dirtbag. He sacrifices himself for his wife and, now, he's gone," Joiner said. "So as a man, as a person or as a woman, do the right thing and turn yourself in. Give his wife some peace."
CHP said that the truck in question will have damage to the right front end.
