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SALT LAKE CITY — Police are searching for the driver of an SUV that hit a skateboarder, then left the scene.
At about 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, Salt Lake City police say the SUV — possibly a white Isuzu Rodeo — hit a man on a skateboard near 700 S. 200 West, then dragged him several feet. The SUV then drove away.
The man on the skateboard, 33-year-old Ben Santiago, was taken to University Hospital in serious condition where he is still recovering.
Initially, police said there were no witnesses. They didn't have many leads until Sunday, Oct. 18. That's when police said a detective in the area noticed a surveillance camera at a business down the street. The video from that camera showed the SUV hit Santiago, then drive off.
The Utah Non-Profit Housing Corporation released the surveillance video to police on Sunday.
"Accidents can happen, but just driving away leaving someone in the middle of the street (is) unconscionable," said Mary Jane Fine, operations director at the Utah Non-Profit Housing Corporation.
Fine said the camera was installed about three months ago. Now, it could play a crucial role in tracking down that driver.
"I have no comprehension of how someone could do that," Fine said. "I guess if we do ever start understanding how someone could, I think we are in trouble."
Santiago spoke to KSL by phone Monday. He said he is a member of the Washington Air National Guard and had moved to Salt Lake City for flight training. He is using his GI Bill benefits at Westminster College's aviation program in hopes of becoming an airline pilot. Santiago now faces a long recovery before he can get back in the cockpit.
Santiago's friends from Washington have set up a fundraising account* to help raise funds for his recovery.
Anyone with information on the hit and run incident is asked to contact Salt Lake City police at 801-799-3000.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
