SAN DIEGO — The search is on for the hit-and-run driver responsible for killing a beloved North Park resident.
42-year-old Stephen Debow was walking along San Diego's Polk Avenue and Utah Street last Tuesday when he was struck by a car, and the driver took off. Six days later, Debow died from his injuries. His friends are calling for that driver to come forward.
"Come forth, come forth," said friend Richard Guardian. "For yourself, for your conscience. You don't want to live with this the rest of your life."
Wednesday night, friends of Debow gathered at Pretzels & Pints, one of his favorite spots in North Park, where he had been heading last week when he was hit.
"Everybody's heart is broken," said friend Elisabeth Hagen.
Originally from Philadelphia, Debow had been living in North Park and working in the tech industry. He was also a huge sports fan, especially of the Phillies, the Eagles and the Liverpool Football Club, and enjoyed bonding with his fellow fans.
"Salt of the earth," said Guardian. "Really good, even-keeled guy, the nicest guy in the world. I don't think you'd find anybody — friend, co-worker — who'd have a bad thing to say about him."
"The nicest. most decent, most kind person," added Hagen.
Debow's best friend, Guardian said, was his beloved dog Griff.
"Griff would come here and he'd sit there on the stool while Stephen would enjoy the sport," he said.
A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.
Authorities say the driver responsible was likely behind the wheel of a 2017 to 2022 Hyundai Ioniq, with a missing trim piece by the driver's side mirror and possibly damage to the driver's side front headlight, as well as dents and a cracked windshield on the same side.
"We are going to find you," vowed Hagen.
Debow's friends have a clear message for the person responsible.
"Just turn yourself in," Hagen added, "Might as well just make this easier than harder."
"If you were clearly breaking the law, I hope you're caught and you pay a price," Guardian said. "You won't help Stephen, but you won't hurt anybody else."
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call San Diego Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. For more information, click here.
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