Police ask for help in finding suspect vehicle
The Madera Police Department
A grainy video of a four door, dark colored Hyundai Elantra with large, light-colored advertising decals on both front doors shows the car believed to be the vehicle that struck a 15-year-old girl and left her for dead on Olive Avenue last Friday night about 9 p.m. Police say the advertising decals make the car unique, and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the car or business.
The 15-year-old girl hit and left for dead while crossing Olive Avenue near Monterrey Street last Friday night is still fighting for her life in intensive care at Community Regional Medical Center, Fresno. She reportedly has not regained consciousness.
Madera police have narrowed down some further details of car that struck her, but are asking for more information from the public.
Sgt. Mark Trukki said the collision happened about 9 p.m. and the car, a dark late model Hyundai Elantra with decals on it, will have significant damage to the front driver’s side and mirror, after investigators found and analyzed the debris found at point of impact.
“The car that struck her was seen on area video cameras around the time of the crash,” Trukki said. “It’s not great video but investigators believe the car to be a four-door, dark, late-model Hyundai Elantra with large (possibly) white advertising decals on both front doors,” Trukki said. “That’s all we have so far, but are making it our priority. We believe that someone knows something else,” about the tragic incident or perhaps has seen or knows of a similar car with this type of front damage. The visible decals further narrow down the possibilities, and hope the public can identify the car or business associated with it.
The girl had just graduated Thomas Jefferson Middle School and was reportedly on her way to the gym in Bethard Square Shopping Center about 9 p.m. when she was hit. She was found lying unconscious in the street by another passing motorist shortly after the collision happened.
Crime Stoppers pays up to $2,000 cash reward for anonymous information leading to an arrest and a conviction in a crime. Tips must be called into their tip line at 498-STOP.
