Toledo police are searching for a driver who fled on foot after a car struck and killed a man riding an electric scooter on the city’s east side Sunday morning. The crash happened just after 1 a.m. on Main Street between 2nd and 4th streets, leaving the 21-year-old victim dead and his family demanding answers.
Nathaniel LaBelle, known as Nate, was riding a scooter southbound on Main Street when he was hit by a car, according to investigators. The driver saw LaBelle, then took off on foot and left the car behind, police said.
Officers impounded the vehicle and were processing it for evidence. No arrests have been made.
LaBelle’s best friend, Aaron Thompson, said LaBelle was weeks away from becoming an electrician. LaBelle was learning the trade from his father, and the two worked together every day.
“He was loved by everybody. He was about to get a union job with his dad,” Thompson said. “Nate was the most understanding guy I’ve had in my life. He’s been a brother to everyone.”
“I don’t know how someone hits someone and leaves them there to die. I don’t understand that at all,” said Thompson.
Thompson recalled the last time he saw LaBelle at his house.
“We were just sitting there and we were just having conversations about our future and promises we made toward our future and his baby,” he said.
LaBelle leaves behind a one-year-old daughter.
“They ruined our life. Our life will never be the same. Never,” said Destiny LaBelle, Nate’s sister.
Investigators collected evidence at the scene Monday. Anyone with information is asked to call or text Crimestoppers at 419-255-1111.
