Merced Police officers responded to a vehicle vs pedestrian in the area of R street and West 18th Street at approximately 9:58 p.m. yesterday.

Dispatch advised officers a description of the possible vehicle thats struck the pedestrian.

An officer located a matching vehicle driving on N St at West 8th St. The officer noticed that the vehicle had what looked to be fresh front end damage including a broken front windshield. The officer was able to get behind the car to attempt a traffic stop.

When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle the driver sped away and a short pursuit began. The pursuit ended when the suspect abandoned the vehicle while it was in motion causing to strike two parked vehicles in the 500 block of M St.

The officer involved in the pursuit did not chase the suspect on foot due a passenger in the car. The officer elected to make sure that she was not injured.

The victim of the hit and run sustained moderate to serious injuries and was transported to a local trauma center for treatment. The victim is listed in stable condition at this time.

The female passenger was not injured and she was released after being interviewed by officers.

The male driver was described as a Hispanic male adult. Light completion , 5-09 to 5-10, thin build, wearing a grey sweatshirt and dark jeans.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer McKinnon at 209-769-6996 or by email at mckinnonn@cityofmerced.org.