"A guy came by, hit him and took off:" Milwaukee man killed by drunk driver while crossing street

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that occurred near 13th and Harrison on the city's south side Friday night, May 8th.

Officials say the victim, 59-year-old Anthony Orosco of Milwaukee was crossing W. Harrison St. just before 9 p.m. when he was struck by a pickup truck that was headed westbound on Harrison. Orosco died as a result of his injuries despite the efforts of the Milwaukee Fire Department and citizens who were on scene and witnessed the accident.

"He was right on the bridge, right there. A guy just came by, hit him and took off," said Randy Gentry, who lives near the scene of the accident.

The truck then fled the scene, but it was followed by a citizen witness who flagged down a passing squad car.

"That was incredible. It's not surprising. We got pretty good neighbors. Nobody wants to see anybody hurt," said Gentry.

Thanks to the neighbor's quick actions, police were able to catch up with the driver. Police say the 34-year-old Milwaukee man failed field sobriety tests on scene.

"They drive and they shouldn't. They should be calling for a ride or something like that," said Gentry.

As Orosco's family remains in his thoughts, Gentry says he hopes some light can be shed on what happened.

"I just wish that their prayers go on and they just keep hope for the victims that get hit by drunk drivers. I hope this doesn't continue and I hope somebody somewhere keeps looking at the news and realizes, 'hey this is not a smart move and you should not drink and drive,'" said Gentry.

Police have not yet identified the driver of the truck -- but say charges against him will be brought to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office early next week.