Man killed in South Philly hit-and-run Christmas night; driver wanted

Police are searching for a driver accused of taking off after hitting and killing a man on Christmas night in South Philadelphia.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department, on Wednesday, Dec. 25, around 9:30 p.m., officers responded to an auto/pedestrian crash on the 300 block of Snyder Ave.

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Police said a vehicle had been traveling eastbound on Snyder Ave. A pedestrian -- a man in his 40s who was wearing a blanket-- was walking in the bike lane when he was struck by the vehicle.

The incident was all captured on surveillance video. The driver had blown right through a red light, impacting the victim so hard that detectives said his body flew at least 50 feet down the block.

"He was hit with such force that he was knocked out of both of his sneakers," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

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The vehicle -- an unknown tan sedan -- continued eastbound on Snyder Ave., leaving the scene, according to police.

Police said medics pronounced the man dead at the scene at 9:40 p.m.

Late Thursday night, police told NBC10 they found a vehicle of interest in connection to the hit-and-run. The dark gray Honda Civic was discovered along 7th and Ritner streets. Police towed the vehicle and continue to search for the hit-and-run driver.

So far this year, there have been 34 fatal hit-and-runs in Philadelphia this year, according to police.

The Philadelphia Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Crash Investigation Division at 215-685-3181. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling or texting the department's tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).