(Hartford) - On Friday, May 30, 2008, at approximately 5:45 p.m. Hartford Police were responding to an unrelated call for service when one of the responding officers came upon a pedestrian lying in the road in front of 33 Park Street.  The pedestrian was found to be suffering from head injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle.  Emergency Medical Services were called and transported the pedestrian, later identified as Angel Torres, 78 years of age, of Hartford, to Hartford Hospital.  

Witnesses reported that two vehicles were being operated in a reckless manner North on Main Street.  The front vehicle, described as a tan older model Toyota, was being chased by a blue or black older model Honda.  The vehicles proceeded through a red traffic control signal on Main Street taking a left onto Westbound Park Street.  The vehicles crossed the center line, traveling against traffic, in front of 33 Park Street where the Honda struck Mr. Torres.  The two vehicles continued West on Park Street and turned right onto Northbound John Street, evading the scene. 

Mr. Torres is listed in critical condition at Hartford Hospital, paralyzed from the neck down. 

The Hartford Police Crime Scene Division has taken control of the investigation.  The incident was caught on video which has been enhanced by the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory.  The video clip showing the suspect vehicles can be viewed by clicking on the link below or by visiting the HPD's website, www.hartford.gov/police. 

Hartford police ask anyone with information regarding this incident and/or the identity of the suspects to please contact Crime Scene Division (CSD) Detective Michael Chauvin at 860-757-4229 or CSD Commander Sergeant Jason Thody at 860-757-4225.

Video of May 30th, 2008, hit and run of Angel Torres at 33 Park Street, Hartford.