Benicia police ask public for help after hit-and-run

BENICIA, Calif. (KGO) -- Benicia police are searching for a driver who hit a pedestrian early Sunday morning and took off. The victim is a 23-year-old man who's now clinging to life.

Police say Louis Torres had just left a bar and was crossing the street at Military E and 5th Street when he was hit. He suffered severe injuries and officials tell ABC7 News that he's currently in an induced coma at the John Muir Medical Center's trauma center in Walnut Creek.

According to authorities, the driver fled the scene without stopping to see how badly Torres was hurt.

Police have released an image of the hit-and-run driver's vehicle and are now asking the public for help.

"It appears to be an early 2000 model silver or gray Nissan Altima," said Lt. Scott Przekurat. "And it is missing the left rear hubcap on the driver's side."

Bar owner Bruce Adams added, "It's just a tragedy. A young man, you know, working a little extra job, trying to make a buck, having a cold beer when he got off work when got off at 12:30, you know. And in the blink of an eye it all changes. Family tragedy."

Anyone who knows anything about the collision or sees a vehicle that matches the description is asked to call Benicia police.

A fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, July 1, at Rookies Sports Bar in Benicia. Twenty percent of proceeds all day and night will go to help Louie's medical bills.

An all-day fundraiser will also take place at Bottom of the Fifth in Benicia on Thursday July 2.