Driver suspected of hitting pedestrian runs off after short pursuit, Merced police say

Merced police are looking for the driver of a car suspected of hitting a pedestrian.

Police said an officer noticed a vehicle with what appeared to be recent front end damage, including a broken windshield, driving on N Street at West Eighth Street on Saturday night.

As the officer followed, Merced Police Dispatch notified officers about 9:58 p.m. of a traffic incident that had just occurred involving a small, black four-door vehicle that reportedly struck a pedestrian near R Street and West 18th Street.

The vehicle involved had driven away, according to a Merced Police Department news release.

Police said the damaged car matched the description of the one in the earlier incident. As the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, police said, the driver sped away with the officer in pursuit.

Authorities said the chase ended in the 500 block of M Street when the suspect jumped out of the vehicle, which was still in motion. It then hit two parked vehicles.

Police said the officer involved in the pursuit did not chase the driver on foot, choosing instead to check on a female passenger.

The pedestrian who was hit suffered moderate to serious injuries and was taken to a local trauma center for treatment, according to the news release. Police said that person was in stable condition.

The passenger was not injured and was released after she was interviewed by officers, police said.

According to authorities, the driver is described as a Hispanic man with a light complexion who is 5 feet, 9 inches to 5-10 tall with a thin build. Authorities said he was wearing a gray sweatshirt and dark jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer McKinnon at 209-769-6996 or by email at mckinnonn@cityofmerced.org.