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Last Updated: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 04:19 PM
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Details Emerge About Hit-And-Run Suspect

Prosecutors say the suspect in a fatal hit-and-run is a known gang member, but relatives say he's a family man with a wife in Iraq.

New details about the hit-and-run driver that killed a community volunteer in Rolando emerged in court Thursday. Watch Video: Details Emerge About Hit-And-Run Suspect

Images: Crash Scene Photos

The defendant in the case, Keith Johnson, pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and hit-and-run.

The victim, Bernard Piotrowski, 50, was struck as he walked down the sidewalk. He was a volunteer at Mama's Kitchen in Hillcrest and was just blocks away from home when he was hit as he walked down the sidewalk.

Prosecutors said Johnson was traveling 100 miles an hour when he crashed into a car then struck Piotrowski, severing his arm. Prosecutors said the victim died almost immediately.

Johnson then crashed into a building and prosecutors said he fled the scene.

Prosecutors said Johnson is a known gang member who does not have a job.

The defendant's brother, Floyd Johnson, told NBC 7/39 his brother is a family man with children and a wife serving in Iraq.

Floyd said Keith did not realize he had hit anybody until police told him. He also said his brother was trying to get away from people who were trying to kill him.

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