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Family Of Fatal Hit-And-Run Victim Makes Emotional Plea For Drivers To Surrender

HIGHLAND (CBSLA.com) — The family of a man fatally struck by two hit-and-run drivers Sunday evening in Highland made an emotional plea for the motorists to turn themselves in.

KCAL9's Melanie Woodrow spoke to family members who are shocked that someone -- let alone two people -- could be callous enough to leave a human being in the road. Investigators confirm that two different drivers struck the victim.

The accident occurred about 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Baseline and Sterling Avenue.

"My brother had to die alone in the street? I hope whoever did it feels some guilt because no one deserves to die alone," said Anna Vargas.

She said her brother, 53-year-old William "Bill" Alvarez, was the pedestrian who was struck.

"He was crossing the street and a car ran over him and didn't stop," she said. "The car behind him, hit him again and he died."

Woodrow also spoke to a witness who described the accident. Tommy Allen heard the impact of both cars.

"Two bangs and then you hear more screaming," Allen said.

In a preliminary investigation, detectives told Woodrow it appeared the victim was not using the crosswalk and it was unclear who had the right of way.

Hours later, investigators were still at the scene marking pieces of evidence including pieces of the car, or cars, that were left behind.

Investigators told Woodrow that the impact of the cars hitting Alvarez was so great that he was knocked out of some of his clothing.

"I just hope whoever did this comes forward," said Vargas. "I know they're scared but even people that hit animals stop."

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