A 71-year-old man walking home from church was killed in a hit-and-run crash Wednesday night, according to Arlington police. [[354847871,C]]
Police said the victim — later identified as Nghi Pham — was trying to cross the 3300 block of South Collins Street near Mayfield Road at about 9:30 p.m. when a vehicle traveling south struck him.
A witness told police the vehicle stopped briefly, but then drove away.
Police said they received new information less than 24 hours after the hit and run that they think will lead to an arrest. Lt. Chris Cook with the Arlington Police Department said a witness who claims to have been involved with the incident provided the information.
“It could possibly very well be the driver coming forward,” said Cook.
Cook said they are working on getting a warrant and expect to make an arrest within the coming days.
Police believe they now know who the driver is and the pickup truck involved, but are not releasing that information to the public at this time.
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Pham, who was not believed to be in the crosswalk, was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to authorities.
Pham's family said he had been volunteering at the nearby Vietnamese church to help clean and arrange tables for a big party Thursday. He was walking home, which is only three blocks away, when he was struck and killed.
"He was there helping the church for Thanksgiving. Every year at the end of the service you can go to the cafeteria and get a plate. It’s a very big day for the church and he wanted to go there last night and help set up," said Kha Pham, Nghi Pham's son.
Pham moved to the United States at the end of the Vietnam War and was a father of six children and a grandfather, according to his family.
"We now have to worry about the funeral and when it should be. My brother is talking to the detective today and filling out all the paperwork with police," said Kha Pham. "Thanksgiving isn’t the same anymore. Or any holiday."
Police said they are looking for a late model, dark-colored pickup truck with a lift kit and possibly dark window tint and chrome rims. The vehicle might have damage to the front headlight area.
The family, who spoke with NBC 5 on Thursday, is urging the driver in the hit-and-run to come forward.
"We just want to know why. Why you left, didn’t even call the police," said Kha Pham. "This shouldn’t happen to any family right before Thanksgiving."
Arlington police asked anyone with information about the incident call Detective Jessica Rodriguez at 817-459-5635. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by contacting Tarrant County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS.
NBC 5's Jeff Smith and Johnny Archer contributed to this report.
