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SALT LAKE CITY -- The parents of a 7-year-old hit-and-run victim made a plea Thursday for the driver to come forward.
Police also released a better description of the truck involved.
Calvin Barbanell could be released from the hospital as early as Friday, but this has been no easy recovery for him. His parents say besides bumps and bruises, he also has a three-inch laceration on his liver.
On Monday, Melissa Barbanell and her son Calvin went to Liberty Park. At the intersection of 1035 S. and 500 East, Calvin went to cross as the driver of a truck hesitated, then continued through the crosswalk.
"As I turned to him I saw the truck hit him, and I saw him fly off his bicycle," Melissa said.
Calvin flew about 30 feet one way, his bike in another.
Four days later, Melissa still can't believe how many people came to Calvin's aid so quickly -- an unidentified nurse in particular.
"She sort of said the magic words, 'He's breathing, he's got a pulse,'" Melissa said. "When I heard those words, it made all the difference."
Melissa says the driver slowed but never stopped.
The truck is described as a ‘90s model Ford pickup truck with extended cab and shell. It's faded black or gray with chrome or silver accents and has large tires, making it appear lifted.
Police say there's no way the driver didn't realize they had hit Calvin.
Sgt. Phil Eslinger with the Salt Lake City Police Department said, "In this case, had this driver stayed at the scene of this accident, it would be so much less severe than what they are going to be possibly looking at now having run from the scene of an injury accident."
Calvin has little memory of what happened, but things like a cracked bicycle helmet keep his parents from forgetting.
"The police have his bicycle helmet they're keeping as potential evidence, but I hope to get it back and have it bronzed," said Calvin's dad Ed Barbanell.
As for the driver, Ed and Melissa say they haven't had time to feel any anger toward him or her. They just want the person to step forward.
"Please come and tell us who you are and please take responsibility for what you've done," Melissa said.
Police believe the truck may have turned onto 1300, 1700 or 2100 South. They're asking businesses on those roads to check surveillance videos from about 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. for the truck.
If you know anything about the driver or the incident, please call Salt Lake police at 801-799-3000.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
