Dyrell Boatwright of Jersey City hit a motorcycle being ridden by Michael Pennetta of Bayonne yesterday morning on Kennedy Boulevard. Instead of stopping to render some kind of aid or call police, Boatwright ran away. He ran away like a coward does. He wasn't insured, he had a fake license plate on his car, he had a suspended license and now with any luck he'll have vehicular manslaughter charges against him as sadly, Pennetta passed away after the accident.
Boatwright, 20, might have gotten further if not for the bravery and quick thinking of an off duty Jersey City Firefighter, Gregory Melin. Mr. Melin took off on foot after Boatwright and his passenger and hopped a couple fences but realized he wasn't going to catch up to the cowardly pair. Instead of giving up Melin ran back to his car and found the two boarding a bus at Montgomery and West Side avenues. He called the police who stopped the bus and Melin got on and identified the suspects.
We as a community thank you Mr. Melin. YOU did what Boatwright was too chicken to do, stand up and be counted. As for you, Dyrell Boatwright, enjoy prison.
Michael Pennetta was 23 years old and was related to the owners of Pennetta & Sons, a mechanical contracting company on Hoboken Avenue in Jersey City.
Michael, I watched you grow into a wonderful young man only to have your life taken by a inhuman, selfish, uncaring coward with no regard for human life. How someone can cause harm to someone else, leave them for dead to save themselves is beyond me. We love you Michael and we will miss you. You made this world a better place.
ReplyDeleteAunt Carol
Thank you for your kind words Aunt Carol.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what you and your family are going through. I lost a close friend to a drunk driver when I was 17 but that's not losing a family member to another uncaring piece of dirt.
People, when you injure another human being you STOP. You render whatever aid you can. Your own selfish legal worries are no longer what matters.
When Boatwright was arrested he said "I didn't mean to do it". Probably not, you're driving illegally as it is. If you meant no harm you stop to help.
How very sad....