WARNING: VIDEO IS NOT FOR FAINT OF HEART. IT SHOWS A MAN IN A WHEELCHAIR BEING HIT BY A FAST-MOVING CAR.
In the hopes of drumming up leads in the hit-and-run accident that killed 55 year-old quadriplegic Robert Diaz, the victim’s family went public asking for help Wednesday.
“He led a very difficult, compromised life, and it’s very unfortunate that it had to end this way,” said Diaz’s son, Jason, at a press conference. “This person needs to be held accountable for what they’ve done.”
Diaz was attempting to cross Artesia Blvd. at Rose Ave. around 5:30PM Sunday when he was struck by a silver four-door sedan heading eastbound on Artesia. Diaz was transported to a local hospital but passed away on Monday.
After the collision, a witness saw the suspect vehicle stop a few blocks away and get out of the car, but when officers arrived at the directed location, both the suspect and vehicle were gone. Police are looking for a suspect that is described as a male Hispanic in his 30s, 6′ tall, 190-200 pounds with black hair wearing white shirt and jeans.
“Whether he was in a wheelchair or not, he was an amazing man who always looked out for myself, my daughter I had from another marriage and also my son Jason,” said Diaz’s ex-wife Rose Arencibia. “Like my son said, the family has been very affected by this, and we would like to plead with anyone that has information to please come forward so that we can bring closure.”
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect or the car is asked to call police at (562) 570-7355 or (800) 222-TIPS.
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