The Florida Highway Patrol is asking the public’s help in locating the truck involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a local worker critically injured Thursday night.
Major Sgt. Dylan Bryan told The Citizen Thursday that the crash occurred on State Road 207 near Rector Road.
The suspect vehicle, described as a grey or silver 2004–2006 GMC or Chevrolet pickup truck with damage to the right front grill and headlight area, struck the rear of Eric Orengo’s scooter traveling in the right lane and fled the scene, Bryan said.
A GoFundMe campaign which has now drawn more than $26,000, initially identified the truck as a Ford, but officials have updated that detail.
Orengo, was transported to the hospital with severe injuries.
FHP is asking anyone with information regarding the suspect vehicle or its driver to call (904) 301-3700 (option 8), FHP (347), or First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-TIPS (8477).
An employee at St. Augustine’s O’Steen’s Restaurant, Orengo was riding home his shift when the crash occurred. The impact reportedly hurled him from his moped, partially ran him over, and left him lying on the dark roadway for nearly 40 minutes before a passerby noticed him and called for help.
He suffered a fractured neck, spinal injury, broken right leg, shattered left knee, broken rib, and severe scalp laceration requiring surgical reattachment.
He was airlifted to HCA Orange Park Trauma Center in Jacksonville, where he now faces a long and difficult recovery.
Orengo is the sole provider for his wife Jessenia and their three dogs and will be unable to work for at least a year.
“Our hearts go out to him and his family,” O’Steen’s posted on Facebook. “We are praying for his speedy recovery and await his return.”
