Police ask for help after hit-and-run leaves woman clinging to life

Police are asking for the public's help after a 53-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries in a disturbingearly morning hit-and-run in East Vancouver.

Just before 1:30 a.m. PT, thewoman and her husband were crossing East 41st Avenue at Commercial Street in a marked crosswalk, and in compliance with the pedestrian light, when a speeding vehicle drove through the red light and hit the woman before driving off easttowardVictoria Drive.

Const. Jason Doucette said the woman was hit so hard she was thrown into the air and travelled about a quarter of the block.

The driver did not stop or call for help.

The woman was taken to hospital. Her husband was not physically harmed.

The Vancouver Police Department's Collision Investigation Unit has collected evidence at the scene and believes the suspect vehicle is likely a 2000-2006 BMW SUV that now hasobvious front-end damage, including a missing grille.

"Based on the information collected so far, there is no doubt the driver is aware they struck someone," said Doucette. "We have pieces of your vehicle. Do the right thing and contact the VPD immediately."

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact investigators at 604-717-3012 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.