PASADENA (CNS) - Pasadena police sought public help today to find an
alleged hit-and-run motorist accused of critically injuring an 83-year-old man
riding a motorized scooter.
Police circulated a photo of Lucio Morales, also known as Martin
Beltran, and described him as Hispanic, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 160 pounds,
with wavy black hair. His age was not released.
On Wednesday morning, Frank Paneno of Pasadena was westbound in the
bicycle line on Cordova Street in his motorized scooter when he was hit by an
eastbound vehicle that was turning left onto Chester Avenue, said Janet Pope
Givens of the Pasadena Police Department.
``Morales struck Paneno in the intersection, dragging him and his
scooter several feet before stopping,' then sped off, Pope Givens alleged.
The hit-and-run vehicle was found abandoned in Los Angeles, she said.
Paneno suffered head and other injuries, and was hospitalized in
critical condition.
Anyone knowing the suspect's whereabouts was urged to call police at
(626) 744-4241.