Driver arrested in connection with fatal hit-and-run crash in University City.
On Thursday afternoon, as families gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving in Philadelphia, a tragic event unfolded in University City. Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas, a 41-year-old woman, was struck by a black 2012 Honda Accord at the intersection of 36th and Market Streets around 3:50 p.m., according to preliminary reports from Philadelphia police.
Following the collision that resulted in Espinosa Rodas’ death, the driver of the Honda failed to stop and continued eastbound along Market Street. The vehicle subsequently crashed into a Buick LaCrosse near 34th Street. After the second accident, the driver attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by law enforcement a few blocks away. The motorist was identified by police as 30-year-old Shamir Miller.
Miller faces serious charges, including murder, homicide by vehicle, and involuntary manslaughter, among a total of eleven offenses recorded in court documents. His bail has been set at an unprecedented million, and he is expected to appear at a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 15.
Emergency medical personnel pronounced Espinosa Rodas dead on the scene. Reports indicate that she was working nearby and had been on her lunch break when the incident occurred. In the Buick, a 41-year-old woman was hospitalized at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center with neck and back injuries and was reported to be in stable condition. Meanwhile, Miller received treatment for head injuries at the same medical facility.
This incident follows another fatal hit-and-run that occurred just a week prior on November 20. Meaza Brown, a 48-year-old woman, was struck by a silver Chrysler 300 at 33rd and Market Streets, reportedly at a high rate of speed. Witnesses indicated that she was propelled from the impact and pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Although the Chrysler was located at 34th and Race Streets, no arrests have been made in that case.
The city of Philadelphia is actively pursuing measures to improve road safety as part of its Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths. Recent reports suggest that the city is seeking legislative authority to set local speed limits and to enhance the deployment of automated speed enforcement cameras. The urgency of these measures is underscored by the alarming rise in traffic fatalities, with 120 vehicle crash deaths recorded last year, marking a 41% increase since the inception of the Vision Zero initiative in 2015.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges related to road safety and the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent future incidents.
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