An 84-year-old man was the victim of a hit and run in Stanislaus County last week, prompting a call for witnesses and information from local law enforcement. Venustiano Duarte was taking his customary early morning walk on Saturday when he was struck by what is believed to be a medium-sized SUV. The driver involved in the incident did not stop to assist and fled the scene. According to a social media post by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office, the hit and run took place between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. near Terminal Ave and Townsend Ave in Riverbank.
Details surrounding the moments after the incident are somewhat unclear, as a second driver, described as an unknown Hispanic male, stopped to render aid to Duarte but did not call emergency services. This passerby has now become a person of interest for the authorities who are trying to piece together the events that led to Duarte's injuries. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office stated, "We would like to speak to the man who stopped and helped Duarte after the incident in hopes he can provide further information." Duarte himself was not able to to immediately seek help and it wasn't until on Monday that law enforcement was contacted. Following the report, Duarte was hospitalized and is currently being treated in ICU but is listed in stable condition, enduring a broken arm and fractured ankle.
If you have any information related to this incident, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office has urged you to contact Deputy Orr of the Riverbank Traffic Division at (209) 863-7117. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers is accepting tips at 1-866-60-CRIME.
