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Suspect arrested for hitting disabled man riding his scooter

Posted at 9:53 AM, May 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-16 19:34:38-04

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Sisters LaDonna Bounds and Peggie Pettigrew are grateful the police caught the guy who hit their elderly father while riding on his mobility scooter over the weekend. Police said the crash happened just after midnight on Saturday at E. Goodale and Hillsdale Streets. The driver took off immediately after the crash, leaving 60-year-old James Pettigrew lying on the road.

“I just don’t understand what type of person would just leave him sitting there and then doesn’t return,” said Peggie, Pettigrew’s youngest daughter. “Even if you want to hit and run, at least make a phone call or something.”

Police said when they arrived they found the war veteran unresponsive with his damaged scooter nearby.  He was hit so forcefully that parts of his scooter were embedded into the suspect’s vehicle, which was later recovered on N. Washington Avenue. Bounds said as soon she found out what happened to their father, she came in from out of town to be by his side in the hospital.

“He hasn’t opened his eyes,” said Bounds. “He’s moved one finger and that’s it. He’s heavily sedated because if he’s not sedated that pain will kick in. My father is 60-years-old. At 60 you do not heal the same as a 20-year-old.”

Police have yet to release the suspect’s name. They’re still investigating the incident. As for Pettigrew, his daughter’s say his legs are “shattered.”

“My father has called me babies all my life,” said Bounds holding back tears. “That’s all I want to hear. That’s it. I want him to get up and just say my name.”