Surveillance footage of hit-skip suspect available online

LIMA - Although the driver of a pickup truck eluded arrest Tuesday night after he struck and critically injured a 68-year-old Lima man, police have released surveillance footage of the suspect in which he appears to stumble after purchasing a six-pack of beer at Fat Jacks Pizza, 1806 N. West St. moments before the crash.

While deputies of the Allen County Sheriff's Office continue to search for the suspect, whom they believe lives near the area, the victim in the crash, John G. Watkins, was listed in critical condition Thursday night at the University of Toledo Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Lt. Darrell Pugin said the suspect drove an older model Chevrolet pickup truck with red on the fender and bumper. He struck Watkins' 1989 Yamaha at the intersection of North West Street and Stanton Avenue before he fled the scene heading north.

Watkins' and his bike slid underneath a southbound vehicle and he was transported to Lima Memorial Health System before he was flown to Toledo.

He was wearing his helmet.