Detectives Hope Release Of Gruesome Video Will Help Capture Hit-And-Run Driver
STANTON (CBSLA.com) — Investigators sought the public's help Thursday in finding a hit-and-run suspect who critically injured a 24-year-old man.
The accident happened on April 23 at Chapman Avenue and Beach Boulevard in Stanton, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said.
The victim was crossing the intersection when he was hit by a bright teal metallic GMC truck.
"The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and render aid at the scene and fled westbound on Chapman Avenue," Lt. Jeff Hallock said.
Sheriff's on Thursday released an 11-second video of the actual hit-and-run.
The video is gruesome and hard to watch -- the victim is seen being run over and dragged about 100 feet -- but officials are hoping release of the tape will lead them to a suspect.
CBS2's Michele Gile spoke to the victim's father, Michael Bell.
"It sickens me," said Bell, "That's not just some human being they hit. That's my boy."
The victim, identified as Jeff Bell of Yorba Linda, suffered burns and abrasions to more than 20 percent of his body. His scalp had to be re-attached to his head using 38 staples. Bell also had to have a skin graft on his left hand.Gile reports his abdomen was also badly burned.
He remains hospitalized.
"He did not see the truck. He remembers being under the truck, unfortunately," said Bell.
Gile reported that the victim also has a mild case of autism and was on his way to his job at a Garden Grove Office Depot when he was struck.
"He's angry that this happened to him. Making a conscious decision to drag someone 100 feet across the asphalt and drive away without helping and leaving them for dead, that's no accident," said Bell.
The suspect's vehicle is described as a 1993 to 1996 GMC single cab pick-up truck.
The vehicle will have front-end damage and stickers on the left side of the rear cab window. Officials said they could not determine if the driver was male or female.
Anyone with information should contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (949)425-1864.
