The search is on for a hit-and-run suspect that allegedly left a local girl in critical condition early Friday.
Angela Gattuso of Clarksboro, N.J. was driving in Gloucester City when she struck a railroad track on South Broadway. The car wasn't drivable so Angela called her father, a tow truck driver, for help, according to Camden County Prosecutor's.
Angela, a 2009 Gloucester Catholic graduate, waited for help to come.
As Angela's father was loading her SUV onto his tow truck around 1 a.m., a minivan reportedly struck the 20-year-old as she was standing on the side of the road, authorities said.
"I saw headlights approaching and a vehicle came southbound and hit my daughter. She was thrown about 75-feet beyond the truck," said Louis Gattuso, Angela's father.
The impact caused significant head injuries that left Angela in critical condition at Cooper Hospital.
"Very bad. She has a lot of swelling in her brain, a lot of head trauma. She has multiple fractures, a broken femur," said Louis.
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The driver fled south on Broadway, according to authorities.
Several pieces of the suspect's car were left behind from the impact were identified as belonging to a Chevrolet Uplander from 2005 to 2009, investigators said.
The exact color of the minivan wasn't clear.
The suspect's vehicle may have visible frontend damage around the grill area, said investigators.
The Citizen's Crime Commission of Delaware Valley is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to the suspect's arrest and conviction. Tips can be placed by calling 215-546-TIPS.
Anyone with information on the suspect or the vehicle is also urged to contact Camden County Prosecutor's Office Investigator Jeff Dunlap at 856-225-8400 or Gloucester City Police Detective Mike Barney at 856-456-7797.
Angela's father is also making his own plea for help.
"If you have any compassion at all to just come forward and turn yourself in because it's the right thing to do."
