Dad Sacrifices His Life to Save Son From Hit-and-Run

Police say the 22-year-old driver was on probation for DUI at the time of the crash

A little boy is alive, in stable condition, thanks to the quick thinking of his late father.

Police say that just before 11 p.m. Wednesday, a 5-year-old boy and his father, Michael Romano, 43, were crossing Roosevelt Boulevard near Rhawn Street in Northeast Philadelphia when a 2000 Chevy Impala sped by southbound, hitting and killing Romano before fleeing the scene.

The impact of the crash threw Romano down the block toward Loney Street.

Witnesses told police that Romano saved his son's life by getting him out of the way to take the brunt of the deadly crash.

"He pushed his son out of the way. The car hit him, but kept going," witness Joe Greer told NBC10's Jesse Gary.

The 5-year-old boy was treated at St. Christopher's Hospital for an ear injury caused by his dad pushing him out of the way, cops said. 

Roderick Williams, 22, was stopped minutes later going west on Borbeck Street and the Boulevard by an off-duty 2nd District officer who witnessed the accident. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Williams was already on probation for a first offense DUI at the time of the accident, according to court records.

Williams was charged Thursday with DUI, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and other related offenses, according to court records.


Get the latest from NBC10 Philadelphia anytime: Android/iPhone/iPad Apps | SMS Alerts | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Instagram | RSS

Contact Us