A man walking his dog in his Delaware County was struck and killed by a driver on Sunday. Both the man and his dog died instantly.
The hit-and-run that killed 69-year-old Richard Patterson occured at E. Providence Road and Arbor Lea Road in Aldan, Upper Darby Township just after 4:30 p.m.
"This is a heinous, cowardly act committed by a criminal...and we see it over and over and over again," said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood during a press conference Monday. "...They get behind the wheel and kill our community members and flee."
Patterson was outside that day looking for the family's 5-year-old poodle, Baby, who escaped from their yard. Police say he found the dog and was on his way back to his home a block away when he and Baby were killed.
A witness said they heard the crash and saw a light-colored vehicle drive away.
Chitwood confirmed Monday that the striking vehicle is a white four-door white sedan with significant front-end damage. Police are evaluating evidence and hope to have a make and model soon.
"Mr. Patterson was walking across Providence Road and he never say it coming," said Chitwood. "He was struck in the back of leg area, flew in the area and landed on the hood of the car and the driver kept going."
Authorities say the driver was going 50 to 60 mph at the time of the accident. The speed limit on that portion of the road is 35 mph.
"We've got one witness who unfortunately tells us that people were driving around the male while he was either dead or lying on the highway."
Police asking for the public's help with finding the driver.
Patterson leaves behind his wife of 48 years as well as three grown children.
If you have information about this case, call Upper Darby Police at 610-352-7050.