Baton Rouge Man Victim of Hit and Run

A 28-year-old man is in surgery today after he was serious injured last night by a hit-and-run driver. His family hopes someone has information that will help locate the person responsible.

The incident happened at roughly 11:20 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the intersection of East State Street and Dalrymple. The victim, Matt Tugwell, 28, has open fractures to his leg and experienced bleeding on his brain.

"He was out tailgating when he called me and told me that he was going to walk home,” Ellen Ogden, Tugwell’s girlfriend, said. "We live in Capital Heights, so I drove out there to pick him up. I called him when I was driving around looking for him, and that’s when a fireman answered the phone.”

The fireman informed her that Tugwell was being transported to the hospital.

"It was terrifying. I was in shock,” she said. "I didn’t ask any of the right questions.”

Today, Odgen is trying to understand what happened. She spoke to a witness at the scene who was able to describe the entire incident.

"He was crossing at a green light and the car was in the right lane,” she said. "The car was going about 25 to 30 mph. When the car hit him, he flipped on top of the car. The car didn’t stop. It took off down Dalrymple.”

The witnesses described the vehicle as a white sedan. She said it appeared to be a rental vehicle and it was only occupied by the driver.

"She said there was a crowd of people around the car after he got hit and when he was on the car,” Ogden said. "I have to imagine that someone got the license plate number. Or maybe another person who was driving behind the car when it happened might have seen something.”

For now, Ogden and Tugwell’s family are stationed at the hospital. They hope someone can help provide more information to help catch the person responsible.

"He’s a really active, hard-working guy,” Ogden said. "He does high rigging for concerts and arenas and works on movie sets. He needs his body for everything he does.”

If you know anything about this incident call Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP (7867). You can also text your tip to CRIMES (274637). Include CS225 at the beginning of your message.

The family is offering an additional reward for information. Click here for more information.

This case is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Police Department.

The proven injury attorneys at Fisher Injury Lawyers are experienced in hit and run and alcohol related accidents.  We have successfully represented the families of those injured and killed by drunk and hit and run drivers.  We have the resources to thoroughly investigate an accident and identify all possible sources of recovery. Call us now.  We are here for you.

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Source:  www.wafb.com