Local Business Owner Killed By Own Vehicle While Chasing Carjacker
The owner of a local iron works business was fatally struck by a carjacker after a frantic car chase which took place in the vicinity of 4th Avenue and 23rd Street, police say. The incident unfolded at approximately 9:05am Monday morning.
63-year-old Phil Dellegrazie, owner of A & D Iron Works (305 24th Street between 4th and 5th Avenues), was loading materials into his truck when the suspect jumped into the vehicle and sped away, according to CBS New York.
The victim got into his black SUV, and chased the suspect towards 4th Avenue. Once the two vehicles were stuck in traffic, Dellegrazie got out of his car in order to confront the suspect.
The New York Post reports “the victim ran up to the truck and was trying to pull the perp out of it when he was pushed to the ground, sources said. The suspect then gunned it, running over and killing the man…”
The suspect then began to flee the scene, taking a wrong-way right turn onto 22nd Street, driving towards 5th Avenue. DNAinfo reports that the suspect had an accomplice. One of the suspects was wearing a gray hoodie, and fled on foot. Dellegrazie’s truck was left on 22nd Street.
Cops confirm that as of 2:30pm today, the suspects are still at large.
Neighbor Tony Santana stood stunned looking across at the scene under the awning of Jurek Park Slope Funeral Home from 728 4th Avenue. “Phil is the nicest fucking guy in the neighborhood,” said Santana. “I’ve known him for over 25 years.”
“He’d give you the shirt off his back. That’s the kind of guy he is,” added Elizabeth Santana.
“Look, his sons are right over there. They loved their father so much. I don’t even know what to say to them without crying,” said Mr. Santana.
A crowd of neighbors and local workers vocally agreed with Santana. “You see all of those gates across the street over there? Phil worked on all of them. He’s done so much for the neighborhood,” added Santana.
Marilyn Faraci and Susan Dicupillo of Jurek Park Slope Funeral Home explained that the victim did work at their business.
“He put up my side gates several years ago after I installed the radiant heat sidewalk,” said Doris V. Amen — the owner of Jurek. “He was a long-standing businessman in our community working with his son here on 24th Street. Unfortunately the events that led to his early demise could have been prevented. After all, material objects can always be replaced [his truck] but you only get one life…Very sad.”
Santana — whose company Available Glass & Mirrors is located down the block at 144 23rd Street (between 3rd and 4th Avenues) — explained that Dellegrazie let him use customized equipment at the iron works shop.
“There are some things I don’t have tools for, and Phil always invited me to come in,” said Santana.
We asked Santana if he had to pay for the equipment.
“Never. Phil wouldn’t do that. He’s just a generous guy,” said Santana. “This is just awful. Please say nice things about him. People need to know how good a man he was.”