UPDATE: May 26, 2:30 p.m.
A Fairhill man is in custody after a hit-a-run accident caught on video that killed a teenager. Police say 19-year-old Kevin Rubio turned himself in Thursday after the public assisted investigators in identifying him.
Police say Rubio was doing wheelies on his dirt bike on May 15 when he hit 17-year-old skateboarder Jesus Gomez-Rosario on Allegheny Avenue, then took off. Gomez-Rosario died two days later.
Rubio is charged with accident involving death, homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter, among other offenses.
The original story follows
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 17-year-old skateboarder died Tuesday after being struck in a hit-and-run crash by someone on a dirt bike in North Philadelphia.
Philadelphia police are searching for the dirt bike rider who struck Jesus Gomez Rosario, then left the scene Sunday night.
Family members describe the teen as talented, creative and loved by many, including both his biological and adopted family.
“He has a lot of family. We are hurt. We can't believe this. And we want justice. We want justice for my little brother,” said Yahaira Colon. She said her brother was doing one of his favorite things, skateboarding west down Allegheny Avenue on Sunday night at about 10:30 p.m. when the accident happened.
Police said a man was speeding and popping wheelies on a dirt bike while going east on Allegheny Avenue near Front Street when he crashed into Rosario and left him lying in the street.
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On Tuesday morning, the teen died from his injuries.
“I believe in accidents, but not when you run away and you leave a poor kid laying down in the [street] like he's a nobody,” said Colon.
“He was my brother. He has sisters, and he has two moms that loved him, and a lot of family. To be treated like he was a little animal, and left in the street like he was nobody?”
Colon said he attended Esperanza Academy Charter School, and he planned on going to college and becoming a pilot.
Police have released a video of the crash which shows someone helping the dirt bike rider get the damaged bike to the sidewalk before they left the scene.
The male they are looking for is described as wearing a black helmet, white t-shirt, black pants, white sneakers, and a red bandana around his neck at the time of the crash.
Investigators believe the male may have been injured in the accident. They said the green bike he was operating has damage to the side.
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Anyone with information about the suspect or the accident is asked to call or text confidential tips to the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-8477. People can also contact the Accident Investigation Division at 215-685-3184.
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