LAWRENCE, Ind. (March 8, 2015) — Lawrence police say they’ve made a break in a recent hit-and-run case that left one man badly injured.
Victor Ramirez was crossing the road on the 8700 block of Pendleton Pike on February 21st when he was hit by a blue Dodge Charger. The driver of that vehicle left the scene of the accident and police have been looking for them ever since. Police now say that driver is a 27-year-old woman who has yet to be named. She is slated to turn herself to police in the coming week once formal charges are filed.
“Our understanding is that she indicated that she was scared. Her drivers license was suspended,” said Lawrence Police Detective Captain, Gary Woodruff.
A Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy found car nearly 30 miles from the crash scene in a ditch near the area of US 32 and 236th Street. Police say the license plates were removed. A search warrant was served on the car Friday night. Debris from the scene matched damage on the car.
Police say the crime wouldn’t have been as serious if the woman would have stayed at the scene. Surveillance video from a nearby business captured the woman stopped and getting out of the vehicle after hitting Ramirez, before taking off.
“Fleeing the scene just added to the potential of criminal charges being filed. Even above that, there’s the duty of care to a fellow human being who’s been injured,” said Woodruff.
The car belongs to a family member of the woman. Police say there’s no insurance on the car. Police also say the woman’s license was suspended for multiple traffic violations.
Ramirez has been moved out of ICU and is now in stable condition, facing surgeries and a long road to recovery. Woodruff says he has no recollection of what happened before or after the crash.
“He spent the first several days in the intensive care unit and has now been moved to the regular part of the hospital. He’s recovering well, faces a long road,” said Woodruff.
