The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is seeking the public’s help in a Tuesday hit-and-run of a Vancouver man who was struck by his stolen vehicle.
Deputies and fire and medical personnel responded at 7:48 a.m. to the area of Northeast 40th Avenue and 47th Street for a car-versus- pedestrian hit-and-run, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
Investigators learned that an unknown person stole a red 2010 Toyota Camry from a nearby residence and struck the registered owner, Joseph Lutz, the sheriff’s office said.
Lutz suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. He remained in critical condition Wednesday, according to an update from the sheriff’s office.
The vehicle was last seen speeding south on 40th Avenue. The Camry has Washington license plate BKP4080 and should have damage to the front or front passenger’s side, the sheriff’s office previously said.
Detectives have canvassed the area for surveillance cameras but are asking residents in the areas surrounding 47th Street and 40th Avenue to check their video surveillance footage from 7 to 8 a.m. for any suspicious people and vehicles or the stolen vehicle.
The unknown driver is wanted for first-degree robbery and felony hit-and-run, the agency said.
Anyone with information about the incident should call 311 and reference case number 22007866.
Lutz’s family has created a GoFundMe to help with his medical costs. According to the fundraising page, he was run over while attempting to stop the car theft. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent emergency surgery. He remains in the intensive care unit.
To donate, visit https://gofund.me/4bfb5f89.
