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SUV in Hit-Run That Critically Injured Brothers Recovered: Police

Deputies have recovered the SUV they say last week ran down two New Jersey brothers, impaling one victim on a fence and forcing doctors to amputate the other's leg.

Investigators also questioned two people in connection with the gruesome hit-and-run on Friday in North Bergen that left Michael Viruet Jr., 20, and his 11-year-old brother Adrian with critical injuries, according to the Hudson County Sheriff's Office. 

The two brothers were walking out of a movie theater with their sister when they were hit and flung into the air by an SUV that had jumped the curb on Kennedy Boulevard at 31st Street, according to police and family. 

Michael Viruet Jr.'s leg was amputated after the hit, family members said. He was still sedated and on a ventilator on Thursday.

Adrian's arm was impaled on a spiked fence and he also sustained a serious head injury. Family members said Thursday the boy is breathing on his own, but doctors are worried about damage to the left side of his brain.

On Wednesday, investigators recovered the red Nissan Rogue they think hit the brothers. The vehicle, which has heavy damage to its front bumper and right-side headlight, was taken to a police precinct for processing.

Police also interviewed the vehicle's owner and the roommate of the person they think was driving the SUV the night of the hit-and-run. Both were later released.

The boys' father, Michael Viruet Sr., said he fought mixed emotions after hearing police had recovered the vehicle. He said he hopes that finding the car will help authorities track down the driver responsible for injuring his sons.

"They got the biggest piece of evidence, they got the car," the father said. "Now it's just a matter of time."

The identity of the car's owner has not been released.

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