Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who seriously injured a pedestrian Tuesday in Staten Island, authorities said.
According to the NYPD, Merita Vata was struck near Mason and Buel Avenues in the Dongan Hills area at approximately 5:10 p.m. The vehicle involved, believed to be an SUV, left the scene following the collision. Vata was hospitalized with significant injuries, including a broken wrist, leg injuries requiring surgery, a blood clot, and bruising. The investigation is ongoing.