New Jersey

Popular NJ Vice Principal Mowed Down, Killed by Street Racer, Prosecutors Say

Authorities say the drag race driver ditched the car at the scene and fled

What to Know

  • New Brunswick High School vice principal Tyrone Harrison was mowed down and killed by an apparent drag racer in Piscataway Saturday night
  • Harrison, 49, was a popular educator, and had been on his way to a relative's house from the Edison train station
  • Authorities are looking for the driver who fled the scene; they believe the drag racers were part of a street-racing club

UPDATE: Driver arrested in hit-run death of beloved New Jersey vice principal

A popular New Jersey high school vice principal was killed crossing a street Saturday night when an apparent drag-race driver struck him, authorities say.

Middlesex County prosecutor say three speeding cars, one after another, blasted through the intersection of Stelton Road and Ethel Avenue in Piscataway around 9:15 p.m. on Oct. 6. One of the cars hit 49-year-old Tyrone Harrison, a vice principal at New Brunswick High School, as he was walking from the Edison train station to a relative's house. 

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Honda was recovered at the scene after prosecutors say the driver lost control and mowed down Harrison, crashed through a sign and finaly came to a stop. The driver then fled the scene, prosecutors said. 

"This tragic death was entirely preventable and unnecessary. Drag racing on public roads in dangerous and irresponsible," said Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Harrison's family and the school community." 

New Brunswick schools superintendent Dr. Aubrey Johnson told News 4, "To tell you that we're doing well, I can't say that. Mr. Harrison was a staple here in New Brunswick, for 17 years as a teacher." 

Ken Redler, principal at New Brunswick High School, called Harrison "the most peaceful man in the world."

"Mr. Harrison walked in the hallway always listening," he said. 

Investigators believe the drag race was part of the 78 Imports car club that had a meet-up Saturday night. Authorities say they're close to breaking the case but need someone who was there to come forward. 

"If you come to us and tell us what happened and cooperate, we will do our best to see that we can help you as best we can," Carey said. 

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