"Just turn yourself in:" Driver sought after man struck, killed by hit-and-run vehicle on north side



MILWAUKEE (WITI) --Police say 57-year-old Henry Nelson from Milwaukee was struck and killed as he crossed the street late Saturday, April 18th. The incident happened at 27th and Burleigh around 10 p.m. Those who knew Nelson are asking the driver responsible to turn themselves in to police.

Henry Nelson



Investigators say Nelson was approximately 50 feet east of the crosswalk when he was struck by a westbound vehicle on Burleigh. The vehicle drove away from the scene of the crash. Nelson died at the scene.

Those who knew Nelson say he was the kind of person who could always bring a smile to your face.

"He loved to see people happy. I was sad because that was one of like, my roommates. He was like a father-figure to me. He was a loving person. He liked to dance a lot. We just used to have fun everywhere. I walked down (to the scene) to see if it was real," Joseph Wallace said.

Jovonta Martin says he met Nelson while working at a store on the corner of 27th and Burleigh.

"We cool people. I'd give him change when he wanted. I mean, get on the bus, give him bus tickets when he need it. I was that dude for him," Martin said.

FOX6 News spoke with an eyewitness to the crash.

"The car came swerving. The car hit him. When the car hit him, he flew. The man ran him over and kept going. That don't show no love. We dying too much," the witness said.

Witnesses tell FOX6 News the driver slowed down, but never stopped or tried to help.

"I wish the one who did it would come and tell (police) what they did. I hope they come and turn themselves in and tell what happened because he was a good person. He would give you the shirt off his back," Wallace said.

Martin says he didn't see what happened.

"I wasn't out here. I heard it from somebody else, so when I heard he was my guy, I went to Walgreens to buy him some balloons, a teddy bear. I put the signs up for him to show him my respect," Martin said.

Right now, there is very little information on the type of vehicle or occupants involved in this incident. Martin says he hopes the person responsible for what happened does the right thing.

"Just turn yourself in," Martin said.

Loved ones say Nelson recently moved to the area near where he was killed. He was apparently walking to a friend's house when he was struck.

Anyone with information is urged to call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7251.