Driver sought in violent hit-and-run crash that seriously injured pedestrian in Central-Alameda area

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding the driver behind a violent hit-and-run that seriously injured a pedestrian in the Central-Alameda neighborhood.

The crash happened on Saturday morning when a man, who was identified as 40-year-old Silvano Gomez, was walking through a crosswalk on Vernon and S Central Avenue.

Police said the driver of a dark-colored vehicle was traveling southbound on Central Avenue at a high rate of speed when he or she struck Gomez, catapulting him into the air.

Shocking video released by police shows Gomez violently landing on his head.

Gomez underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition in the ICU. His wife, Orbelina Borjas, told Eyewitness News her husband is fighting for his life.

"I am there all day by his side so he hears me," she said. "You can imagine, I don't sleep. I have the image of him, of how he's in the hospital."

Borjas said her husband takes walks early in the morning through their neighborhood. When he took longer than usual that day, she felt something was wrong.

"That day, he didn't come back," said Borjas. "I understood something bad was going on ... the [driver] took off like if he hurt a dog. Not even a dog is left lying on the street."

A $25,000 reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. The suspect's vehicle likely has damage to its front end, hood and windshield.

"My husband is in critical condition," said Borjas. "It's a matter of life or death. I ask this person who hurt him to turn himself in, because either way, they are going to find him."

She said doctors are waiting for Gomez's swelling to go down before starting surgery again.

Anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD detectives at 213-833-3713.