By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The Gardendale Police Department Friday released the name of a man struck and killed on Wednesday.

Chief Mike Walker said the man has been identified as 20-year old Batista Miguel Manzano.

Manzano was killed at about 5:25 p.m. between Gayle and Lake Streets on Odum Road.

He was reportedly wearing dark clothing, which authorities said may have played a role in the man not being seen by oncoming traffic.

Witnesses told police Manzano walked half-way across Odum Road, stopped in the middle of the road and then took off again when he was struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling north.

Manzano was reportedly a regular at Habanero’s restaurant in Gardendale, though it is believed he worked at another restaurant in Calera. Manzano’s address is listed on Meadow Lane in Gardendale.

Walker said officers were on Odum Road Friday reconstructing the incident.

He said the case would be presented to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office, though he said it is too early to tell if charges will be filed against the driver.