It’s almost unimaginable that someone would hit another person with their vehicle and keep driving. Whether through a lack of awareness, conscience, or an overwhelming fight or flight response – the law is clear: Those involved in an accident must remain at the scene until law enforcement officers release them from the scene.
My News LA reports that a male pedestrian was struck while crossing the street in Riverside County and is now fighting for his life.
A spokesperson for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that the crash happened at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15, as the pedestrian attempted to cross the intersection of Orange and Redland Avenues.
The man had been walking westbound along Orange Avenue and attempted to cross the intersection when a gray sedan heading northbound on Redlands Avenue hit him at a high rate of speed.
Eyewitnesses told authorities that the driver did not attempt to stop.
Paramedics arrived at the scene of the crash and rushed him to Riverside University Medical Center. As of Tuesday, doctors said the man was still in critical condition.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released his identity pending notification of family members.
While investigators believe that speed was definitely a factor, they have not ruled out possible intoxication by alcohol and/or drugs.
The Riverside Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with any information about the crash to contact them through the Perris Sheriff’s Station at (951)210-1000.