SEE Anything? Driver Of Hit-And-Run Pickup Sought In Death Of Hawthorne Pedestrian, 83

UPDATE: Authorities on Thursday released a photo of the hit-and-run pickup truck that they said struck and killed an 83-year-old longtime Hawthorne resident as he crossed a local street near his home. They're hoping someone recognizes it.

Joe Bender, 83, of Hawthorne was killed crossing the street.
Photo Credit: *Kyle Mazza/UNF News for DAILY VOICE / FACEBOOK (inset)*

Joe Bender, 83, succumbed to his injuries following the crash at the corner of Wagaraw Road and Passaic Avenue in Hawthorne around 8:50 p.m. June 28.
Photo Credit: *Kyle Mazza/UNF News for DAILY VOICE*

Police issued an alert for a 2004 Ford F-150 pickup truck out of Hawthorne -- with the New Jersey license plate W73-MCN -- which they said fled the scene.
Photo Credit: *Kyle Mazza/UNF News for DAILY VOICE*

ANYONE who witnessed the crash or has information that can help identify the truck and/or driver is asked to call Hawthorne police: (973) 427-1800. Or use the Passaic County prosecutor's tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.
Photo Credit: *Kyle Mazza/UNF News for DAILY VOICE*

The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office was notified and forensic investigators from the Passaic County Sheriff's Office responded to collect evidence.
Photo Credit: *Amanda Nicole Caiola*

ANYONE who recognizes this truck is asked to call Hawthorne police: (973) 427-1800. Or use the Passaic County prosecutor's tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.
Photo Credit: *HAWTHORNE PD*

Jerry DeMarco

06/29/2023 10:30 a.m.

Joseph Bender was struck at the corner of Wagaraw Road and Passaic Avenue at 8:46 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, they said.

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran was pronounced dead a short time later at St. Joseph's University Medical Center, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Hawthorne Police Chief James W. Knepper said in a joint release.

Police issued an alert for a gray-colored 2004 Ford F-150 pickup truck out of Hawthorne -- with the New Jersey license plate W73-MCN -- that they said fled the scene.

THEY ALSO RELEASED THIS PHOTO:

The Passaic County Sheriff's Office collected evidence.

Fair Lawn police assisted with traffic control.

ANYONE who witnessed the crash or has information that can help identify the truck and/or driver is asked to call Hawthorne police: (973) 427-1800.

OR: Use the Passaic County prosecutor's tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.

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