Elderly man reportedly injured in Riverbank hit-and-run. Search for driver continues
An elderly man was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident during his routine morning walk Saturday in Riverbank, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.
Venustiano Duarte, 84, was walking near Terminal and Townsend avenues between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 23 when he was hit by what authorities believe was a medium-sized SUV. The driver fled the scene, according to a release posted on Facebook.
A second unidentified driver stopped to assist Duarte but did not call 911. It is unclear whether the man witnessed the collision.
Two days later, Duarte was taken to the hospital when law enforcement was contacted. Medical evaluations revealed Duarte suffered a broken arm and a fractured ankle. While he remains in intensive care, he is reported to be in stable condition.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department is urging the man who stopped to assist Duarte to come forward, as he may have crucial information about the hit-and-run. Deputies are also reviewing video surveillance and seeking witnesses to aid their investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Matthew Orr with the Riverbank Traffic Division at 209-863-7117. Anonymous tips also can be submitted to Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers at 1-866-60-CRIME.
