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East Orange Man Struck, Killed By Car Being Chased By Police

EAST ORANGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A police chase in East Orange early Monday morning left a man dead and six people arrested.

Darroll Morris, 55, was out walking his Shih Tzu when he was struck by a 2003 white Acura LT that was being pursued by East Orange Police, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said.

Morris and his dog were killed, CBS 2's Christine Sloan reported.

The incident happened around 6:30 a.m. at Lincoln Street and Park Avenue.

Morris' family members said the Acura was stolen but they are blaming the officers for Morris' death and are demanding answers.

"You can't push reset, you don't get extra lives when something like this happens," said Rhonda Morris, the victim's sister. "They can't keep trying to cover it up because yes, the guy stole the car, but if he was killed like this it was the policeman's fault.

"I get a call from my niece my brother is dead. I blame the police," she added.

"Darroll, we're going to do what we can to get the proper justice for you," added Jeffrey Morris, the deceased's brother.

The driver, identified as 26-year-old Tariq Sewell, of Vauxhall, was charged with aggravated manslaughter, death by auto, resisting arrest, eluding police, driving while his license was suspended, leaving the scene of an accident and possession of heroin. Three men and three women -- one of whom is a juvenile -- were in the Acura. While some were taken to the hospital, no one in the car was seriously injured, police said.

Tariq Sewell
Tariq Sewell (credit: Essex County Prosecutor's Office)

The investigation is ongoing. Officials will be reviewing video from surveillance cameras in the neighborhood as well as the police cruisers' dashboard camera.

"He was a good person. He was an ex-Marine. Good father, church-going," Jeffrey Morris said of his brother.

A candle and stuffed animal with Darroll Morris' dog's name sat outside his home on Monday night, just a block away from where he was killed, CBS 2's Sloan reported.

Ironically, family members said Darroll Morris was out on disability as a result of an accident driving for a funeral home. Now, they are making arrangements for his funeral.

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