WARNING: Graphic video. Police in California are searching for the person responsible for hitting a California mother with their car and taking off. The incident occurred on October 30, 2023, in Whittier, Southern California. Lisa Ortiz, a mother of four and a two-time cancer survivor, was struck by a dark-colored SUV while getting out of her own vehicle on Whittier Boulevard. The entire incident was captured on camera, causing severe physical injuries to Ortiz and traumatizing her 10-year-old son who witnessed the event.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the SUV appeared to be using their phone and was too close to the side of the road. Ortiz attempted to protect herself by pressing her body against the car, but the driver failed to maintain a safe distance, resulting in the collision. The driver then fled the scene, leaving Ortiz to suffer in the street.
The impact of the hit-and-run accident left Ortiz with severe injuries, particularly to her hip. She is scheduled to undergo surgery for her hip on Tuesday. While Ortiz and her family remain hopeful, they are also realistic about the challenging road to recovery ahead.
In an interview from her hospital bed, Ortiz expressed her frustration and disbelief at the driver’s callousness, stating, “This person just left me to die in the street and I could have been run over by so many oncoming cars.” Her aunt, Mary Ann Grant, emphasized the significant impact this incident has had on Ortiz’s life, as she was about to start a new job before the accident occurred.
Local authorities, specifically the Whittier Police Department’s traffic division investigators, are actively seeking information about the hit-and-run driver. They urge anyone with relevant details to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The incident has sparked outrage within the community, as residents express concern over the increasing number of hit-and-run incidents in the area. The search for the responsible driver continues, with hopes that justice will be served for Lisa Ortiz and her family.
