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Posted on Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:36 p.m.

Man in wheelchair struck by hit-and-run driver in downtown Ann Arbor

By Julie Baker

Editor's note: This story has been updated with quotes from Robert Olada.

Witnesses came to the aid of a man in a motorized wheelchair this afternoon when the man was left lying in a pedestrian crosswalk after his wheelchair was struck by a hit-and-run driver in downtown Ann Arbor.

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A witness describes a hit-and-run accident to an officer that left a man who uses a wheelchair lying in the street at the intersection of East Liberty and Fifth streets on Wednesday.

Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com

Witnesses to the incident, which happened just before 3 p.m. Wednesday, included an AnnArbor.com staff member.

They said that a woman driving a black Jeep struck the man's wheelchair as he crossed East Liberty Street at the Fifth Avenue intersection, near Afternoon Delight.

The man and the dog that was riding in his lap were knocked to the ground as the wheelchair overturned.

Robert Olada of Dearborn Heights said that he stopped his vehicle near the post office once he realized what had happened. He and others helped the man back into his wheelchair.

The man in the wheelchair, along with a number of other pedestrians, were crossing Liberty when the Jeep turned at the corner after reportedly honking at a wrong-way driver on Fifth, Olada said. The other pedestrians were able to quickly get out of the way, but, "the man in the wheelchair couldn't move too quick." The collision completely spun the wheelchair, Olada said.

"Thank God he wasn't in front of that vehicle," he said, adding that the SUV didn't appear to brake or slow down to acknowledge the crash.

A number of kids chased the Jeep west down Liberty, while police were called. The kids were able to get the Jeep's license plate number, he said, adding that he saw the vehicle serve around other cars and run a red light afterward.

The man in the wheelchair told bystanders that he felt somewhat sore, but refused further medical treatment. He told them he had a metal plate in his leg where he was hit. Witnesses said the man appeared shaken up, but was otherwise OK.

"It seemed like the fellow that was hit was in good spirits," Olada said, adding that he seemed more concerned with his dog, who was visibly trembling.

Olada said he was shocked that it had happened, especially since the incident took place downtown in the middle of the afternoon, when many people were around. "I couldn't believe that someone would be so insensitive to hit a man in a wheelchair and keep going."

After filing a police report, the man and his dog rode away.

Police said later Wednesday that they hadn't located the hit-and-run driver.

Comments

YeahRight

Thu, Jan 12, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.

"M at 1:32 PM on December 8, 2011 Sallyxyz, there have actually been a lot of studies that show cell phone talking is a much more minor problem due to the phone in and of itself. The actual answer appears to be that the kind of people who talk in the car are also the kind that drive like idiots. Correlation does not equal causation, and we should not punish responsible people for unscientific reasons." Thank you for this M. I'm sorry that more people on this forum, and in general, don't understand the intelligence behind your comment.

justcurious

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.

OK, they had the license plate number, and witnesses saw the whole thing. Why don't we have an update on this? Is the police department or someone else withholding information? Hit and Run is a serious matter, especially since she was using a cell phone at the time.

Bob

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:51 p.m.

I was told that they are not charging her with a felony, does something seem wrong here !!!! Ok, maybe she is 77 yrs old. But does that give her the right to do what she did !! My understanding is that she said that she did not know that she hit him and that she was not on the phone. Don,t send her to jail ! But she needs to held accountable for what she as done. If she did`nt know that she hit him why did she run a RED light to get away ??? And U are right what is going on with the Police Dept ? Maybe she knows somebody ????

actionjackson

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:34 p.m.

This summer my wife had to grab my arm at Main and Liberty as I was stepping from the curb on a WALK sign. Large SUV, woman on cell phone missed me by inches and never noticed! I am much more careful even with the green light. I also believe that cell phones should be banned while driving.

wlhneighbor

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:29 a.m.

I sure hope the man and his dog are ok. I use a wheelchair to get around, and it's pretty scary crossing the street. I have almost gotten hit several times by drivers turning right as soon as the light says WALK. Maybe the driver gets a green light at the same time? Also, the walk lights don't last long enough for one to get all the way across.

Bob

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.

This man that was hit by the HIT & RUN driver is my older brother! He is one of the best people I have ever met ! All he lives for is to help other people. He volunteers at the VA to help Vets ! And that dog (Sarge) is his best friend. He didn`t ask for help because he was more concerned about him than himself ! I did get him to go to the hospital & he is beat up pretty bad.So far he is alright, but I`am concerned about latter. As of right now ,I don`t know that the woman has been arrested. Even though they know who she is, does that make since ???? PLZ all of U in Ann Arbor do what ever it takes to make sure that JUSTICE is done !!! I live over 1400 miles away and I myself am disabled or I would do it myself ! I have faith in YALL !! I also would like to THANK the people that took the time and effort to help my BROTHER!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!

LaMusica

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.

So glad to hear you convinced him to go to a hospital to get checked out. There are so many injuries that can occur that don't immediately make themselves known. I hope he and Sarge are alright. One of the witnesses said when your brother fell he did so in a way to try and protect Sarge...a true testament to your brother and his character. I too am waiting anxiously for an update to see when the driver is arrested. I hope it's soon. Best of luck to you and your family!

Peter Baker

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.

I know this has nothing to do with the recent pedestrian crossing ordinance that has caused so much fervor here, but seeing this, and reading every one else's comments about similar close-calls and reckless driving, can you really blame the City Council for trying to do something to make things safer for pedestrians – and drivers – in this town? Maybe it was misguided, but you can't deny something needs to be done.

Peter Baker

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.

The pedestrian ordinance wasn't addressing this exact example, no, but it was passed in an attempt to combat one part of the many dangers to pedestrians, most of which have to do with unthinking, distracted drivers with entitlement mentalities. Also, enforcing currents laws WOULD be doing something, which is what I was saying.

Brad

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 10:17 p.m.

"... but seeing this ..." I thought you just said that "this" has nothing to do with the ordinance. I do deny that there is a huge problem that would be helped by further ordinances. I would think that the current (state) law, if enforced, would likely be sufficient.

djm12652

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.

Jerry...glad you weren't injured...I'll bake ya some cookies? And I will have a special treat for Sarge...glad he's okay too.

bunnyabbot

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.

I sincerely hope the man and his dog are ok. I imagine it was very scary for all who were there. As for drivers talking on their phones I cannot stand them, I refuse to answer my phone while driving (although I drive a manual so if I were to use the phone it would leave no hands on the wheel while shifting). However, and I am not faulting anyone here, yesterday while I was driving downtown yesterday afternoon I witnessed a number of pedestrians cross the street against walk signs (jaywalking) and many doing so while on their cellphones. All without looking both ways to check traffic. Drivers and pedestrians are dangerous while preoccupied on their phones.

SonnyDog09

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.

"I immediately place my car in park at the middle of the intersection then jumped out and ran over to help." Would this driver be guilty of "egregious idling?"

SonnyDog09

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:44 p.m.

Thank you for being a good citizen, Robert. I asked the question with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek. I ask the question to point out the perils and unintended consequences of Council adopting fuzzy language from a special interest group and turning it into law.

Robert

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.

LOL! Maybe guilty of "egregious idling" but its better than running over the man lying on the ground, However, I did move my car after I helped this man.

Sallyxyz

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.

"...adding that he saw the vehicle serve around other cars and run a red light afterward." Need some proofreading here: should be swerve. I'm not surprised that this was a hit and run. There are a lot of insensitive and crazy drivers out there. A2 is no exception, unfortunately. I hope the victim and his pet are ok.

Robert

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.

The Police got the driver! Good job to the Ann Arbor Police and all that helped!

justcurious

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.

Robert, still waiting...did I miss the update somewhere?

Robert

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.

You will see it soon but thats all I can say for now.

justwondering

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 7:03 p.m.

Robert - really? Where did you find out? I don't see this anywhere in the news. Please let us know!!!

gladys

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.

I'll add my voice to the other folks who want a follow up on the lunatic driver being found and prosecuted!

Atticus F.

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.

Maybe she took off because she was afraid. Sometimes people get assualt after car accidents... And with several people chasing after her she might have panicked.

Sallyxyz

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.

No excuses. If you commit an accident, you stop.

Atticus F.

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.

What I would have done if I were that driver is irrelevant, so please don't try to imply that I would commit some sort of criminal action.

Robert

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.

Nobody chased her until AFTER she drove away! If she was afraid then she should have called the police or go to the station!!! What would you have done if you were that driver???

Tom Teague

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.

@abc - I agree with you that accidents can happen. But I think it is the ". . .and Run" part of the "Hit and Run" that has the commenters incensed. If you hit someone, you're supposed to stop, help, and take responsibility when the police arrive.

Tom Teague

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.

Peter - Right you are; in fact you can even remove the last three words from your reply and that pretty much sums up my driving philosophy. My original comment was in response to another commenter who seemed to be saying that we should be more understanding of the driver's point of view. I think the driver surrendered her right to our understanding when she fled the scene.

Peter Baker

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.

You're also not supposed to hit people in the crosswalk.

abc

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.

I don't condone reckless driving downtown or anywhere else but is it possible that the car going the wrong way down the street flustered the driver and she turned while watching to avoid hitting that car, hitting the gentleman in the wheelchair instead? A gentleman who says he witnessed the incident says she was on a cell phone. Was that a cell phone she had to her ear or could she have been holding a bandage. Maybe, maybe not, I was not there and things happen fast. I have read much on this website about passing judgment and have seen very sloppy moderating with respect to the concept. Based solely on the what has been written all anyone can conclude at this time is the woman's mistake was driving away. On another thread here a doctor, or a family, or both, are being vilified under the guise that "we are just reporting the facts". Well I for one am sick of getting half the story one day and the other half the next and sitting back to watch the sparks fly.

Bob

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.

Maybe U don`t know the the difference between a bandage & a cell PH. But I bet he does !!

Robert

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.

I don't care if that driver was on a phone, playing with the radio or flustered! I was also in my car at that intersection and I wasn't flustered! If you read my last comment then you should understand that the car ATTEMPTED to go the wrong way but did not, then the car drove away while people where crossing, THEN the jeep took off, However, instead of stopping to help she took off then swerved around traffic and ran a red light in the obvious attempt to get away. NO half story here Pal! People like her need to be held accountable for their actions NOT sugar coated!

abc

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.

Many years ago I was driving on a bright afternoon. I was stopped at a light on a road much like Main Street at Stadium; two lanes both ways. When the light turned green we all drove off slowly allowing following distances to increase. On my left I noticed the car there closing the gap between the car and the lane line. Then I watched his wheels cross the line; he was changing lanes without a directional and without looking. I leaned on the horn until he corrected and was back squarely in his lane. The car was a fully marked police car. Even here in AA a police officer went to change lanes on the highway without looking and when I honked to alert him to my presence he started gesturing to me; think road rage. Why the stories? Since cars were invented both drivers and pedestrians had to pay attention. Since cars were invented people have occasionally lost focus and accidents have occurred. And finally no driver has the ability to be perfect all the time; not even professionally trained police officers. I drive and walk all over the country and have for decades. AA has no corner on the market on bad drivers or people who do not pay attention. We all can make mistakes and I challenge each one of you to ask yourself if you EVER had a moment where you lost attention and thought that had some thing been different you could have caused an accident.

Ron Granger

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.

Sure we've all made mistakes while driving. But I most of us have never hit and run anyone. Especially not a man in a crosswalk, in a wheelchair. It sounds like you're trying to shift the blame away from the hit and run driver.

walker101

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:37 p.m.

Hopefully we'll have a follow up on who this driver was.

grimmk

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.

It's horrible that she didn't stop, but part of me want to blame the wrong way driver too. Did anyone get their plate #? The other day my dad called me WHILE HE WAS DRIVING and I chewed him out (later) after I told him to hang up and call me back when he got home. We need to ban driving while talking on the phone. At least have hands free driving. And more traffic cameras. Thank you helpful citizens for helping this poor man and his dog. We need more people like you!

Bob

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:51 a.m.

It doesn`t matter what the other driver did !! He wasn`t the hit & run driver !! Place the blame where it belongs !!!

Ron Granger

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.

The wrong way driver did not run down a pedestrian in a crosswalk and flee the scene.

justcurious

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.

Hey, I grew up in Ann Arbor and the one-way street system even confuses me. They changed things at one point and made some on-ways into two ways, then they made some lanes left turn only and then they added bike lanes. It's a bigger mess than ever.

DennisP

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 6:38 a.m.

Incredible that anyone could think that they can get away with a hit and run in the middle of downtown. Good job to all the witnesses and caring citizens. Too bad the woman in the Jeep will now face felony charges simply because she couldn't stop. I'm glad the fellow and his dog are ok. Wrong-way drivers. Hit-and-run drivers...you gotta love Ann Arbor. Smartest city in the USA according to some magazine...

Ron Granger

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.

@DennisP: "Too bad the woman in the Jeep will now face felony charges simply because she couldn't stop." -- The felony charges are a good thing. That nobody was killed or seriously injured was a great thing. She could have stopped. She chose not to.

GoBlue1984

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:34 a.m.

I'm completely shocked the pedestrian ordinance didn't prevent this. At least they got the license plate number and hopefully they can send a ticket. *note the sarcasm*

WalkingJoe

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.

Just wondering if it is possible this intersection has traffic cameras? This and the witnesses would really help put driver before a judge so she could pay the piper.

Vivienne Armentrout

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:05 a.m.

We seem to have a lot of angry, distracted, impatient drivers. I'm starting to hate the 4-way stop at 4th and Catherine because though there are a lot of pedestrians crossing, some cars like to push into the intersection and toward the pedestrian in the opposite crosswalk. This happened again to me today as I walked to the bus stop on Catherine. I'd like to see more police presence at some of these high-impact crosswalks. We need some real sanctions against these drivers in busy urban intersections.

justcurious

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:22 p.m.

When the kids get out of school at Community, watch out! I had an incident involving me, a young girl squealing her tires, a car full of laughing boys turning left onto Main BESIDE me turning left onto Main, and a blind pedestrian on the corner scared out of his wits from the noise. Someone needs to assign an officer there around 2:30pm to 3:00 pm.

Ron Granger

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.

The Ann Arbor police need to put a lot more emphasis on crosswalk violation enforcement - both failure to yield, and stopping in crosswalks.

Ron Granger

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.

@MIKE: "Don't forget pedestrians crossing against the light." One key difference is those pedestrians don't weigh 4000 lbs and run over other pedestrians. I recall that in Ann Arbor it is legal to cross against the light so long as you do not obstruct traffic or create an unsafe situation.

justcurious

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.

This woman would not have been stopped by more emphasis, she was too busy being a ....you know what.

MIKE

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:16 a.m.

Don't forget pedestrians crossing against the light.

Ron Granger

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.

Another example of why Michigan needs to catch up with other states and ban the use of cellphones while driving.

Robert

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.

Back@Ron, Yes to the auto shut off with 911 use only! And if this would saves lives then I really don't care about the passengers phone. Think about it... Less accidents = Lower car insurance rates! Also, less medical care for the injured= Lower medical insurance rates! So is it viable yet???

Ron Granger

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.

@Robert, the gotcha is passengers should be able to use their phones. And phones must work in emergencies. So automatic shutoffs are not viable.

Robert

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:10 a.m.

Absolutely right, Michigan needs this! and wouldn't it be great if ALL cell phones had an automatic shut off when moving or at least an annoying beep like the seatbelt alarm???

Robert

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.

My name is Robert and I am a witness to this cowardly hit-and-run. I was stopped at the intersection when the car in front of me attempted to go the wrong way on fifth ave. when this SUV rolled up fast honking the horn, the car then swerved back onto liberty, then The SUV made a right turn while talking on a cell phone at the same time people where crossing. This poor guy in the wheel chair had NO chance to get out of the way, The SUV's front left corner hit his right side and spun him so hard that he flew up and landed in the middle of the road, I immediately place my car in park at the middle of the intersection then jumped out and ran over to help. This big man was lying on the ground holding his little dog. I looked up and saw the SUV driving down the street and I said somebody get the license plate, then a young man yelled I'll get it as he sprinted down the street, I wanted to get back in my car and chase the SUV, however, I could not pass because the wheel chair and man where in the way. It's so sad to see such total disregard for another person and his dog. This is why I NEVER talk on my cell while driving through down town Ann Arbor because too many people crossing so i'm ALWAYS careful, I just wish other people would hang up the phone and be careful also. REMEMBER your phone conversation is NOT worth hurting or killing someone and/or their dog. I prey that the police will catch up with this person or they come forward!

Bob

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.

Hey Robert, Iam Robert also (Bob) thank U so much for what U did for my BROTHER !!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!! I Know that U will be BLESSED for what U have done. I live a very long way from U but maybe one day I will be able to thank U in person !! I will ask my bother to get UR # if he can & it would be alright with U !

James

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.

Cool story bro

ThaKillaBee

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.

Well done, sir.

LaMusica

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:35 a.m.

Ms. Baker...please keep the story updated as soon as more is known, like when the driver is caught. It would be much appreciated to know she is brought to justice!

OLDTIMER3

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.

She'll probably say she wasn't driving the car someone borrowed it!

amlive

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:33 a.m.

I'm glad no one was seriously injured. Remember this letter published a few weeks back? <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/ann-arbor-police-need-to-enforce-traffic-signs-at-downtown-intersection/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/ann-arbor-police-need-to-enforce-traffic-signs-at-downtown-intersection/</a> The only surprise here is that there haven't been more accidents like this...

LaMusica

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:33 a.m.

How horrible!! I'm glad he appears to be alright...good job witnesses/kids! Dear driver: You're going to get caught. The police have your license plate thanks to good samaritans, and I hope they throw the book at you. SHAME ON YOU.

snapshot

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.

The driver should be in custody by now.

Daniel Soebbing

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.

I sure hope so!

uabchris

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.

...see, we don't need better pedestrian laws in Ann Arbor because people drive so well here !!! It's very dangerous to walk and bike here...if you don't believe me hang out on 7th Street for a while.

deletedcomment

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.

I brought cheese and wine as well as the worlds smallest violin for your sorrows.

Brad

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.

The driver probably only violated about 10 laws, but if we had &quot;better pedestrian laws&quot; it never would have happened, right?

grimmk

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.

Also very dangerous the drive here! The stunts some people have pulled...! The near misses, by god, I just can't believe they missed! I've been so close in getting rear ended or T-boned...it can shake up your nerves for sure.

mightywombat

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:11 a.m.

Ann Arbor drivers need to slow down and chill out. Almost daily I see someone almost hit by a driver who is just too impatient. If everyone would just calm down and take a few extra minutes everyone's commute would be a lot more pleasant.

M

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.

Sallyxyz, there have actually been a lot of studies that show cell phone talking is a much more minor problem due to the phone in and of itself. The actual answer appears to be that the kind of people who talk in the car are also the kind that drive like idiots. Correlation does not equal causation, and we should not punish responsible people for unscientific reasons.

Sallyxyz

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.

Using cell phones while driving needs to be outlawed.

OLDTIMER3

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.

It isn't just A2 drivers, it is drivers all over that need to quit being in such a hurry.

RJA

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.

Great job to all that assisted in this hit and run. Glad to hear the man and his dog were not injured. I would say the driver of the jeep is in deep do-doo when they catch her. (and the Police will find her).

Peter Morville

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.

I was almost hit last week in the pedestrian crosswalk at Huron and Fourth Ave. I had to drop my umbrella and jump to avoid a pickup truck taking a left at high speed. The truck skidded to a stop, and then the driver took off without apologizing. I'm glad this man and his dog are okay. It's getting pretty ugly out there...

Sallyxyz

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.

It's been ugly for a long time, unfortunately.

Joe_Citizen

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.

WOW&lt; it sounds like another spoiled child in mommy's car. But this one is much more serious than ducklings.

Joe_Citizen

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:36 p.m.

I did not say it was, it just sounds as if. Get the facts right before you pounce, please.

WalkingJoe

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:08 a.m.

I have to agree with Billy Bob on this. I have seen many so called adults, this includes people in in my age bracket of the late 50s and older, driving worse than any&quot;spoiled child&quot;. I join the chorus of those saying well done to the bystanders who aided this poor man and to the young people who got the license number. I too hope this scofflaw is brought to justice.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:14 a.m.

Joe...Where do you get this stuff? Where is the evidence that this is a child, spoiled, driving mommy's car?

Ron Granger

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.

The guy should really see a doctor ASAP. What often seems minor with adrenaline is often much worse after. He could have hidden injuries, even to the tissue that his &quot;plate&quot; attaches. Your back can spasm and tighen up after and then pull stuff out of place. I hope he's okay! Massage therapists have told me a large percentage of their clients were in car accidents many years ago. I can't wait for the police to catch the SUV driver.

KINGofSKA

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:35 a.m.

Awesome job by the &quot;kids&quot; who tried chasing this driver down. It seems more and more often I say &quot;these drivers...&quot; But this takes it. I'm very glad to hear he and his dog are ok. I can't wait to read the next article to this: &quot;Woman of hit and run on wheelchair has license taken away&quot;.

justcurious

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.

So she was so busy honking at the wrong way driver that she couldn't obey the law herself and hit a pedestrian. The citizens in this story are real heroes. They didn't ignore what was happening but got involved. Those kids deserve acknowledgment from the Mayor. I'm hoping both the man and his dog are alright.

justcurious

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.

Turns out another commenter was right...she was also on her cell phone.

YpsiLivin

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:40 a.m.

&quot;...she was so busy honking at the wrong way driver that she couldn't obey the law herself...&quot; Maybe she was just acknowledging the wrong-way driver's effort...

simone66

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:53 p.m.

I hope the police arrest the driver quickly and bring her up on proper charges. This is outrageous!

Halter

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11 p.m.

Glad he's okay ---- I've seen several disabled people getting hit by cars (and even a bus in one instance) over the course of the past year. I don't think it's a pandemic, but it certainly points to the decreased care that people seem to have toward others... On the other, a hit-and-run for a man in a wheelchair is about as low as it gets. Shameful. Glad someone got the license plate number.

West Park

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.

.....&quot;The kids were able to get the Jeep's license plate number&quot; -Yay Kids - Good Job !!