Driver hits pedestrian, offers money to not report it, then flees in Guelph

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a pedestrian was hit by a driver who offered cash not to report it and then fled early Saturday morning.

Just before 2:30 a.m., police were called to the intersection of Wellington Street East and Neeve Street and found the victim sitting on the ground. The investigation revealed he had been crossing within the crosswalk when he was hit, causing him to become airborne before landing on the road.

The driver of the car stopped down the road, then came on foot to check on the victim. He offered to drive the victim home and then offered $300 not to report the collision. When witnesses suggested he needed an ambulance, the driver returned to his car and fled.

The victim was transported to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The suspect was described as a white man, 18 to 23, five feet eight inches to five feet nine inches tall with a thin build, blonde or light brown hair which was shorter on the sides and curly on top and wearing a light-coloured t-shirt and shorts. He was driving an older red compact car, possibly a Toyota or Nissan.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Nick Dowe at 519-824-1212, ext. 7602, email ndowe@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.