Police search for hit and run driver who critically injured woman

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are searching for the driver responsible for a hit and run accident Monday that has left a woman in critical condition.

The incident occurred at around 5 p.m. Monday, along 441 and Filmore Street. Witnesses said the driver of a white Lexus struck a Kia jeep and caused it to rollover, severing the driver's arm. "The lady's face was bloody, and her arm was bleeding profusely," said a man only identified as "Rick," whose car was also struck at the scene. "It was pretty serious. I just hope she's OK."

The driver of the late 90s model Lexus, possibly an LS400 model, fled after briefly pausing at the scene. "We have a witness account that the driver did in fact get out, look back at the accident scene, re-enter the vehicle and then flee," said Hollywood Police Lt. Manny Marino, "so this person obviously knew that she was involved in some type of incident."

It took rescuers more than 15 minutes to extract the victim, 60-year-old Jo-Ann Snyder Salzlein. Paramedics transported her to Memorial Regional Hospital with an amputated arm and several broken ribs, where she remains in critical condition.

Sue Hicks was watching the horrible accident Monday afternoon on TV when she realized her friend of nearly 30 years was part of the accident. "This is not right that you're causing all this heartbreak and all this pain for all these people that I know and love so much," she said through tears.

Police described the Lexus' driver as a young looking adult black female with a thin build. She reportedly had a black male in the passenger seat. The suspect vehicle should have front end damage and part of the front bumper is missing.

Her family members are in disbelief that someone would drive off and not offer help. "Accidents happen, but to actually get out of your car and look around and realize that there is someone basically on the borderline of bleeding to death and to get back in your car and drive away, for me that's unacceptable," said Salzlein's son, John Salzlein.

If you have any information on who may be responsible for this hit and run accident, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

(Copyright 2009 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)