Mohammad Uddin and Abdullah Faiaz Struck and Killed in Chandler

Chandler, Arizona—Mohammad Misbah Uddin, age 50 of Bangladesh, and his son, Abdullah Al Faiaz, age 12, were struck and killed as they crossed a street in Chandler on their way to evening prayer on Monday night.

Chandler Police Department accident investigators report that witnesses stated the pair was crossing Alma School Road eastward at Erie Street.  They were halfway through the crosswalk when the traffic lights for north and southbound traffic turned green.  That is when a dark-colored Dodge Durango SUV northbound on Alma School struck the two, then left the scene. 

Mr. Uddin was pronounced dead at the scene.  Abdullah was transported to Chandler Regional Medical Center where he died the following day.

The driver of the SUV has been identified as Michelle Hagerman, age 54 of Tempe.  Court documents allege that Hagerman accelerated through the intersection.  Police records state that the impact occurred at about 45–50 miles per hour, which is the posted speed limit for that area.

After police released a description of the suspect vehicle to the public, a concerned Tempe resident notified police that the vehicle parked in her neighbor’s driveway matched the description and had similar damage.  Police arrested Ms. Hagerman at her home Wednesday morning and confiscated her vehicle. She was booked into jail.

Hagerman reportedly told police that, immediately following the accident, she left, came back, then left again when she saw several people had gathered at the scene.

According to Mr. Uddin’s relatives, he submitted immigration paperwork about 14 years ago.  It had recently been approved.  He and his wife, son and daughter arrived in the United States from Bangladesh just ten days ago.  Abdullah was scheduled to start the sixth grade at Paragon Science Academy on Wednesday.

We extend our condolences to the Uddin and Faiaz families and friends over this tragic loss.