Hit and run driver injures fleeing police suspect

FULLERTON, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - A man in his 20's who was running from police was struck and critically injured by a car which fled the scene, and police in Fullerton were searching today for the hit-and-run driver, authorities said.

It began about 10 p.m. Monday, when police tried to make contact with a young man riding a bike in a park near Orangethorpe Avenue, according to Fullerton police Sgt. Jeff Stewart and a videographer at the scene.

"At some point the young man ran into eastbound lanes of the 400 block of Orangethorpe Avenue and was struck by a car,'' Stewart said. "That motorist did not stop and we are looking for him this morning for the hit-and-run.''

Stewart said the victim was picked up by paramedics who took him to a hospital in very critical condition.

Stewart also said he didn't yet know why the officer tried to stop the man. "That remains under investigation at this point,'' he said.

The only description that police have of the hit-and-run vehicle is that it was a "four-door car,'' Stewart said. There was no description of the driver.

Anyone with information on this hit-and-run was asked to call the Fullerton police at (714) 738-6800.

All tips can be made anonymously.