A 26-year-old Dallas man is fighting for his life after a hit-and-run driver struck him during his birthday celebration early Sunday morning.
Police are searching for a dark-colored SUV that fled the scene near West Davis Street and North Westmoreland Drive in Southwest Dallas.
The incident has devastated a local family and sparked an urgent manhunt as investigators piece together surveillance footage from the pre-dawn collision.
Johnathan Rodriguez was dropped off by friends outside his Dallas neighborhood just before 3 a.m. Sunday, after celebrating his birthday, according to FOX 4. Surveillance video shows Rodriguez in the median area when a dark SUV struck him and continued driving.
“I’m just shaken and shocked. My son is fighting for his life,” said John Rodriguez, the victim’s father, Fox 4 KDFW reported. “Just help us, please, help us.”
The younger Rodriguez remains in critical condition at Methodist Hospital with severe head trauma. His family says he has little to no brain function.
Dallas police confirmed the hit-and-run investigation is active. Officers found no trace of the driver when they arrived at the scene.
A freeze-frame from surveillance footage reveals crucial evidence: the fleeing SUV has a damaged back left taillight. The family has been walking along Davis Street searching for additional video to assist police.
“Just, please, if we could get the viewers to help and help bring this person to justice,” said Frank Carrizales, the victim’s uncle, per Fox 4.
Some drivers stopped to help Rodriguez and provided police with a vehicle description. Investigators are using that information to track down the driver.
The Rodriguez family is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest. The father made a determined promise while keeping vigil at his son’s bedside.
“We are going to find him. We are going to find him. I guarantee,” John Rodriguez said.
Anyone with information about the dark-colored SUV should contact Dallas police immediately.
