New Jersey Grandfather Killed In Alleged Drunken Driving Hit-And-Run
FORT LEE, N.J. (CBSNewYork)-- A woman stood accused of driving under the influence Tuesday, after allegedly hitting and killing an elderly man on his way home from a synagogue in Fort Lee this pas weekend.
CBS2's Meg Baker talked to the man's neighbors, who say he was a loving grandfather, devoted to his family and to his faith.
Fort Lee residents off Lemoine Avenue said they are extra cautious when they step outside their apartment building between Tom Hunter Road and Whiteman Street.
"Everyone drives too fast. It's a town you can't get around in very quickly," neighbor Harry Kreps said.
Tragedy struck outside the Beverly Condominium Complex Sunday night when Christine Ko, who was allegdly under the influence, allegedly hit and killed 86-year-old Ruben Enukashvili around 8:48 p.m.
"He would go out on walks very often," Kreps said.
The elderly man was killed only a few steps from his front door off Lemoine Avenue. Those that knew him said it was the route he took every day.
"Good neighbor -- I would talk to him every morning, some words in Hebrew because I myself am also Jewish too," Victoria Chem said.
Chem sold the Enukashvilis their apartment 20 years ago when they moved to New Jersey from Georgia.
"He always had a satchel with him. I think he was observant; went to synagogue very often," Kreps said.
The victim would walk to Young Israel of Fort Lee twice a day after his wife past away two years ago.
The driver was a liquor store clerk who police said was behind the wheel with an open container of alcohol.
The funeral for the father of two was held on Tuesday.
"Very sad with five grandchildren children and great grandchildren," Chem said.
Ko is charged with vehicular homicide and three other offenses for allegedly taking the life of the grandfather.
