RENTON, Wash. — A Renton man is recovering at Harborview Medical Center after police say he was hit by a car Friday night.
And Richard Sanchez is likely still alive today thanks to an unlikely reason.
He’s in serious condition with several broken bones. His wife, Lori Sanchez, added that he’s been in surgery for much of Tuesday afternoon.
According to police, he was walking their dog, Esco, around 9 p.m. on Friday when police say a car hit them both.
“There is no way that the person driving that vehicle did not know that they hit that person. They chose to leave the scene of the collision,” said Meeghan Black with the Renton Police Department.
Police say the hit-and-run happened on Talbot Road South near South 51st Court. The car was last seen getting onto SR 167 at South 43rd Street, heading north. They believe the car is a Kia or Hyundai with bright headlights — and say it likely has damage to the front grill and windshield.
They’re hoping someone with information about the car or its driver will contact detectives.
“This gentleman was severely injured... had to have multiple surgeries with multiple broken bones. So, we really want to be able to bring this person to justice for the victim,” said Black.
Police say Sanchez was so badly hurt that he wasn’t even able to walk home, but Esco was able to make it back, possibly saving his owner’s life.
“Following the collision, the dog reportedly ran back to the apartment complex and alerted family members, who were able to come to the scene. We all know dog is everyone’s best friend — but in this case that was definitely proven true,” confirmed Black.
In addition to information, Renton detectives ask anyone with video of the incident to contact them.