Seen IT? Here's Hit-And-Run Pickup Truck 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.

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*

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*

Joe Bender of Hawthorne, requiescat in pace....
Photo Credit: *FACEBOOK*

Jerry DeMarco

06/29/2023 2:20 p.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 the 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.

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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