Fatal hit-and-runs notch downward in Philly, and tech advancements make it easier to find drivers who flee

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Investigators are using advanced technology and cameras to help solve hit-and-run cases in Philadelphia. They say, in about ⅓ of the hit-and-runs so far this year, police have been able to successfully identify the driver.

With nine fatal hit-and-run crashes in the city so far this year, that number is down from last year at this time, when there were 15.

In all, says Capt. Robert Heinzeroth with the Crash Investigation Division, there were 43 fatal hit-and-runs in 2023 — involving pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers. That’s a significant jump from 2020, when there were 28.

“Over the last few years, there definitely has been an upswing,” says Heinzeroth.

2020: 28
2021: 23
2022: 34
2023: 43

But investigators are also getting better at finding those drivers who flee.

“As technology improves, as we are taking advantage of using these new technologies, the likelihood of us identifying and arresting people leaving the scenes of accidents is certainly increasing,” says Heinzeroth.

For one thing, he says, cameras are everywhere now — including on most roads .

“Places where our accidents occur are on the major roads: Broad Street, the Boulevard, Lehigh Avenue,” Heinzeroth says.

And data from cell phone towers has become a huge help in determining who was where, and when they were there.

“We are solving cases using cell phone data, where we are getting the information — we don’t even need the cell phone — we are just pulling it right off the towers from cell phone providers.”

In addition, investigators are using DNA technology.

“If someone leaves DNA on a driver’s airbag after an accident and flees the scene, we will know who you are.”

Heinzeroth says investigations also get a major boost from members of the public.

“It’s not uncommon — if someone is coming into an auto body shop with, say, a windshield that has clearly been involved in an accident — for the auto-body shop to give us a call and let us know.”

So Heinzeroth has a message for drivers: “In many cases there is no crime committed, whatsoever, until that person leaves the scene.”

Heinzeroth says, most of the time, drivers who stay on scene are not charged. Staying and calling 911 or trying to render aid is crucial.

“The crash itself is not the crime; it’s the leaving of the scene. It’s the run, not the hit, that makes it a crime.”