Victim of hit and run succumbs to injuries; police seek witnesses

A man injured in a hit-and-run crash near Palm Springs International Airport in late July has died, police said Saturday.

The collision was reported at about 3 a.m. July 29 at the intersection of Ramon Road and El Placer, according to the Palm Springs Police Department.

When officers arrived at the location, they found a man who was on the ground bleeding but was still responsive. The victim was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery for internal injuries.

However, police said they learned on Friday that the man had died. The victim’s identity was not disclosed.

A witness reported hearing sounds of a collision and seeing a small, dark-colored, two-door car leave the area westbound. Authorities said the suspect vehicle is believed to be a newer Honda Civic.

Police urge anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact the PSPD Traffic Division at 760-323-8125. Anonymous information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.

A similar incident occurred on May 27. In that case, police said that at around 6:40 a.m. they received several reports regarding a pedestrian lying on the dirt shoulder of the roadway near the area of East Palm Canyon Drive and South Broadmoor Drive. Officers arrived at the scene and determined the subject was deceased and the victim of a hit and run vehicle collision.

The victim was later identified as 39-year-old Jesse Fleury of San Jacinto. A vehicle suspected in that hit and run was located in June, but police say owner has so far refused to cooperate.

On May 22, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the 800 block of North Sunrise Way and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that struck him remained at the scene. Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in that incident.

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