A late-night good deed on FM 78 near Loop 1604 turned tragic when a driver hit a Good Samaritan and the motorist he was helping, then drove off, officials and relatives said. Edward Ruiz, who stopped after midnight to help, is still in the hospital with serious, life-changing injuries. The woman he assisted, Victoria Rogers, suffered a broken hip and now uses a wheelchair. The Sept. 14 crash is getting renewed attention this fall as investigators share new leads, as reported by KSAT.
Police released slow-motion surveillance of suspect car
Universal City investigators have circulated dark, slow-motion surveillance clips that show a small silver or gray hatchback with obvious front-end damage and a missing driver-side mirror. Police describe the suspect vehicle as a Ford Fiesta from about 2011-2019, and say it is their strongest lead so far. The car was last seen heading west from the crash site near FM 78 and Loop 1604, according to KSAT.
Crime Stoppers posts reward and case details
Crime Stoppers of San Antonio has highlighted the case in a public tip listing and is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to a felony arrest. The post includes the location in the 9700 block of FM 78 along with the Universal City Police case number. Tipsters can call 210-224-STOP, use the P3 Tips app, or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers, according to the organization’s media release.
Victim recounts waking in hospital
Ruiz told KSAT that when he woke up in the hospital, his first thoughts were about Rogers and what had happened to her. He said he has endured more than 14 fractures, had part of his intestine removed and is facing more surgeries ahead. "He hit me with the car; he hit that poor girl with the car, broke her hip, broke me, and kept going," Ruiz said in the interview. Universal City police have asked anyone with information to call the department at 210-658-5353, KSAT reported.
Possible charges and next steps
Investigators have classified the case as a "Fail to Stop and Render Aid" incident in public records, a label that Crime Stoppers also uses in its listing. Officials say the investigation remains active, and they continue to urge anyone who may have seen a silver or gray hatchback with fresh front-end damage to contact Crime Stoppers or Universal City police. Detectives are working to track down the driver and move forward with potential charges once the person behind the wheel is identified.
