TEMPE, AZ. — Tempe police are asking for the public's help identifying a 2014-2016 Mazda 3 they believe was involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a 16-year-old girl with serious injuries.
The crash happened at Calle Los Cerros and Baseline on Sept. 4 at 10:30 p.m. Police say the vehicle may have significant front-end damage on the driver's side — damage so severe the entire front end could be gone.
The victim, identified by a family friend as Jette, is a volleyball player who was crossing the street when she was struck. The driver fled the scene.
According to those close to Jette, she was taken to the hospital with a traumatic brain injury, a broken arm, and extensive cuts and bruises. She remains unconscious in the ICU and faces a long recovery.
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Julisa Carrizosa witnessed the crash. She was at the front of a charter bus leaving a volleyball game when she saw the collision happen.
"In my eyes I thought this person could very much be gone, the prayer was focused on this person to live another day, to still have breath in their body," Carrizosa said.
Carrizosa had a message for the driver who fled.
"No body deserved that. Just sickening that even though that took place, that that person would make the decision to go. I don't think that something that's very humane," Carrizosa said.
"I see myself in her," Carrizosa said.
Anyone with information on a potential matching vehicle is asked to contact the Tempe Police Department through the non-emergency number at 480-350-8311.
To send an anonymous tip via text message to the Tempe Police Department, text the keyword TEMPEPD and your tip to 847411.
You can also submit tips online here.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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