Red Jeep Grand Cherokee illuminates wet street with warm headlights and reflects on cyclist helmet in neon cityscape

Red Jeep Sought in Dec. 20 Hit-and-Run That Killed DJ

At a Glance

  • A red Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE is sought in a hit-and-run that killed DJ June Rodriguez.
  • Crash occurred at 3:44 a.m. Dec. 20 at North 56th & Lancaster.
  • Police request witnesses to call 215-686-TIPS or submit tips online.
  • Why it matters: The fatal collision claims the life of a beloved local DJ and highlights rising cyclist fatalities.

On the night of December 20, a red or burgundy Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE was involved in a hit-and-run that took the life of 54-year-old DJ June Rodriguez, a longtime performer at Bob and Barbara’s Lounge. The collision happened at 3:44 a.m. near the intersection of North 56th Street and Lancaster Avenue, when Rodriguez, cycling westbound, attempted a left turn onto North 56th and was struck by the SUV.

The Crash

Rodriguez was taken to a hospital but died at 4:47 a.m. The Jeep, believed to have the license plate MXB-1835, then swerved and fled westbound on Lancaster.

  • Red or burgundy color
  • 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE
  • License plate MXB-1835

Police Appeal

The Philadelphia Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact 215-686-TIPS or submit tips anonymously online.

Time Event
3:44 a.m. Crash occurs
4:47 a.m. Rodriguez pronounced dead

Rodriguez was the seventh cyclist killed by a motorist in 2025, up from three in 2024, according to Philly Bike Action.

Phone screen shows tip line number 215-686-TIPS with a Philadelphia map and red pin.

Key Takeaways

  • Red Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE is wanted in the hit-and-run.
  • Police urge witnesses to call 215-686-TIPS or tip online.
  • The incident adds to a rising trend of cyclist fatalities in 2025.

The search for the vehicle continues as the city seeks to bring justice for the slain DJ.

Author

  • I’m Michael A. Turner, a Philadelphia-based journalist with a deep-rooted passion for local reporting, government accountability, and community storytelling.

    Michael A. Turner covers Philadelphia city government for Newsofphiladelphia.com, turning budgets, council votes, and municipal documents into clear stories about how decisions affect neighborhoods. A Temple journalism grad, he’s known for data-driven reporting that holds city hall accountable.

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *