Police Search For Driver In Bronx Hit-And-Run That Left Woman Critically Hurt
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police have released surveillance video of a vehicle being sought in connection with a hit-and-run in the Bronx that authorities said appears to have been intentional.
The 50-year-old woman, identified by police sources as Christine Aybar, was critically injured in the crash that happened on Bruckner Boulevard and East 138th Street around 1 p.m. on Monday, CBS 2's Weijia Jiang reported.
The car was headed north on Bruckner Boulevard when police said the driver made a U-turn and began heading south and then plowed into Aybar as she crossed Bruckner Boulevard moments later.
She remains at Lincoln Hospital in critical condition, Jiang reported.
Police Search For Driver In Bronx Hit-And-Run
Police said the victim was walking with friends who had exchanged words with the driver, Jiang reported.
It was at that time, a man named DJ said Aybar pushed him out of the way of the oncoming car, 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten reported.
"[I was] Crossing the street and a car came out of nowhere and ran over my friend. She pushed me out of the way and saved my life," DJ said.
He also said Aybar and the driver had a verbal altercation moments before the incident, but did not know what it was about.
Police Search For Driver In Bronx Hit-And-Run That Left Woman Critically Hurt
DJ and other friends gathered at the corner Tuesday to hold a prayer circle for the victim.
Ruth was standing nearby when she saw the driver run Aybar over, back up, then run her over again.
"To me, I find it to be an insane person," Ruth said, "because you don't do that to nobody."
Another witness, Julio Carrillo, said Aybar tried to get out of the car's path.
"When she pushed him out the way, she tried to run the other way, but the car caught her and the front and back tires ran over her," said Carillo.
Evelyn Ramos said Aybar is a mother and a dear friend.
"What kind of animal is that? That's not a human being because even animals have more sentiments," she said.
"She's really, really a good person, and I mean really a good person," said Aybar's neighbor Sarai Cloutier. "She's always helping people."
Police said they are looking for a white sedan, possibly a Chevy Impala, with a dark-colored front passenger quarter panel and bumper and likely has noticeable damage.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
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