LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Police in Lakewood are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian early Saturday morning.
The crash happened on W. Colfax Avenue at the intersection of Oak Street.
Police have not yet released the name of the victim, but Ronnie Long confirmed it was his brother, Jerry Barnes. The 46-year-old left behind a son.
"He was a good human being," Long said. "He had heartfelt feelings for everybody. Even if somebody was mean to him, he just smiled and said, 'Have a nice day.'"
Barnes was hit and killed while crossing the street. The driver took off, Lakewood police said in a tweet.
"It makes me angry because to not even stop, to not even look and say, 'Oh, are you OK?' or even render first aid," Long said.
Barnes moved to Colorado two years ago. Long said his brother was homeless and suffered from a mental health illness but said he had good intentions.
"He would say, 'You know, God loves you. You want me to pray with you?' or, 'I’ll sit with you,'" Long said. "He liked to joke around have fun, just being happy, and he had a gypsy soul."
It's unclear if Barnes had the right of way. Based on physical evidence at the scene, police believe the suspect's vehicle is white in color. They don’t know if it was a car, truck or an SUV.
"Justice for Jerry, because he didn’t deserve this," Long said. "Anybody that sees this or hears this come forward and let my brother’s soul rest in peace."
Anyone with information is asked to call Lakewood police at 303-980-7300.
