Deaf, Mute Man Victim Of Hit And Run
VALLEJO, Calif. (CBS13) -- A woman has been arrested on hit and run charges after leaving a deaf and mute man lying injured in the middle of a Vallejo roadway.
Authorities said neighbors rushed to the aid of the victim after the man was struck during rush hour with such force his shoes were knocked off.
"He couldn't hear the cars coming," said Pat Smith. "I heard a bang noise, thinking it was one of our cars, cause normally our cars get hit out here."
Another neighbor who was driving nearby recognized the victim and sped after the suspect, tailing the vehicle while calling authorities.
"I had my kids in the car, but I saw what happened, it just didn't feel right that she left," said Shannon Ross. "I kept telling my 7-year-old, 'The reason we followed her is when you hurt someone you stop and say I'm sorry.'"
Ross tracked the driver through city streets and onto Interstate 80, where the suspect sped off at 80 miles per hour. Police finally caught up with the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Grace Ponce, about five miles from the scene of the crime.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, is recovering from a broken arm.
Grace Ponce is facing felony hit and run charges.
