Hit-and-Run Victim Loses Leg After Mercedes Driver Hits Him
Gonzalez was driving on the 9800 block of Northwest 116th Way when he had car trouble. He stopped and put his hazard lights on to warn other drivers, then got out of the car to see if he could fix the problem while waiting for assistance. According to authorities, he then saw a gray 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA coming toward him at a high rate of speed in the middle lane. He also told police it looked like the driver—later identified as Edward Vidal Paredes, 34—had his head down, as if he was texting or looking at his phone. Paredes looked up as he approached Gonzalez’ car and steered into another lane, hitting Gonzalez in the legs. He stopped and briefly walked toward Gonzalez, then quickly got back in his car and left the scene of the accident without offering any help to the injured man.
Police later arrived to find Gonzalez lying in the street.
First responders airlifted him to a nearby hospital, where they had to amputate one of his legs.
Gonzalez’ sister told local media that Gonzalez lives in Columbia and is the father of twin sons. He is the sole provider for his family.
Paredes turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday, May 22.
