New Bedford man killed in hit & run motorcycle crash, family looking for answers

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – A New Bedford family is looking for answers after a family member was killed in a hit and run motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach.

“People make mistakes, but you left someone there! You didn’t even stop, you just left him there,” Ana Pinette, the victim’s cousin said. “Who does that? I can’t understand somebody who would do that.”

Ana Pinette, the cousin of the motorcycle victim confirming to ABC 6 News that 40-year-old Phil Pereira of New Bedford died. They say he is the proud father of two children, one who served in the Air Force.

According to the Virginia Beach Police Department, the crash happened on Friday on the 5000 block of Ferrell Parkway.

Police say a call came in around 10:40 p.m. for an accident involving a vehicle and a motorcycle. When officers arrived on scene, they found the driver of the motorcycle, an adult male, in the roadway. Virginia Beach Police confirm the victim died on scene and the driver of the suspect vehicle fled the scene.

Now, family is determined to find the person responsible.

“He’s caring, he’ll do anything for anyone and his family and his kids who mean everything to him,” Pinette said. “They both still need their dad, this is not fair.”

Pinette says Pereira moved to Virginia Beach about a year ago to be with his brother. He will be laid to rest in New Bedford.

Virginia Beach Police say preliminary investigations show that the driver of the motorcycle was going eastbound on Ferrell Parkway. The suspect vehicle was westbound on Indian River Road making a left hand run. They say the suspect vehicle turned directly in front of the motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to collide with the left rear quarter panel of the suspect’s car. The motorcycle driver was ejected and died on scene.

Police say the suspect car continued driving and fled towards the interstate.

Virginia Beach Police say the suspect car is a dark blue Toyota Tundra pickup truck with dark tinted windows. They say it will have significant damage to the left rear quarter panel area of the pickup truck. It will also have a missing/damaged left rear brake light.

“If you know anything, anything, please just call the police,” Pinette said. “It’s just not fair to hit somebody and leave them there. That’s not fair.”

Anyone with information can call Virginia Beach Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887). Tipster can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest.

The case remains under investigation by members of the Fatal Crash Team.