Dog lost during downtown LA hit-and-run returned to owner
LOS ANGELES - The dog belonging to a woman severely injured when she was hit by a car in downtown Los Angeles was returned to her Friday.
The brown long-haired Chihuahua-terrier mix named Little Man ran away after Sandra Martin was hit by a Hyundai Genesis around 2:55 a.m. on February 28, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Someone found Little Man nearly two weeks later.
Martin thanked the public for finding her dog, and is beyond thrilled to have her furry friend back.
61-year-old Martin was walking her dog when she was hit crossing the street in the 100 block of East Fourth Street, near Main Street, police said.
Martin told responding officers the dark color newer-model four-door Hyundai Genesis traveling in reverse knocked her down, police said. According to Martin, the suspect stopped, pulled her from underneath the luxury sedan and got back into the driver's seat.
When he began to walk back to his car, Martin asked if he was leaving, and he responded, "I sure am."
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The suspect then drove away from the scene without offering any aid, according to an LAPD statement. The Genesis was last seen driving southbound on Los Angeles Street from Fourth Street.
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Martin was taken to a hospital with severe injuries that required surgery. Authorities announced Thursday that Martin had been released from the hospital and was recovering at home.
The suspect in the hit-and-run is described as a Black man with a thin build, between 170 and 190 pounds and between 25 and 30 years old.
Video from the scene appeared to show a newer model Jeep Wrangler following the suspect vehicle after the collision, police said.
"The driver in the Wrangler appeared to be in position to see when Sandra Martin was struck by the Genesis," according to the LAPD.
"I wish we turn himself in and do the right thing. He totally destroyed my life. I'm not independent as I used to be, I can't even get to the bathroom without it taking me like 20 minutes," Martin said in a video posted by LAPD Central Traffic Division.
Anyone with information about the witness, the hit-and-run vehicle, the driver or his whereabouts is asked to call Detective Juan Campos with Central Traffic detectives at 213-833-3713. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call 800-222-8477.
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