Man in wheelchair killed in hit-and-run on Detroit's west side

DETROIT (WJBK) - A man in a wheelchair was killed Friday evening in a hit-and-run in Detroit, and police are asking for help finding the suspect.

Surveillance video shows Anthony, wearing a plaid shirt and a blue hat, buying candy and juice at the Santa Barbara Market on the city's west side.

Moments later, he is seen getting into his wheelchair and leaving.

"By the time he cleared that building there, we heard a loud sound and we ran around there and he was laying in the street," said Terry Ware.

Anthony's friend Demetrius Heade said Anthony used his wheelchair to get around for longer periods of time.

"He would use his wheelchair to get distances but then for short spaces he'd get up and walk," Heade said.

The driver hit Anthony and drove off. The incident took place on McNichols between Livernois and Wyoming on Friday night.

"(I had) just talked to him just five seconds -- five minutes before that happened," Ware said. "It was crazy. I couldn't even walk down there and continue looking at him because I knew he was dead."

People who live and work in the area said Anthony was well known. Many people called him by the nickname "Patch."

"I gave him several odd jobs," Heade said. "He was always busy. Sometimes I have to help him home or whatever, but Patch was cool and I can say he didn't deserve what happened to him."

If you have any information on this hit and run, please call Detroit police at (313) 267-4600.