Hit-and-run victim improves

It’s been one week and there are still no suspects in a Palm Desert hit and run that left a teen fighting for his life. The Riverside County Sheriff’s department says they are following leads but so far no arrests have been made. In the meantime, the victim, Grant Virgin, is showing progress.

John Virgin, Grant’s father, says, “He’s a tough kid.”

16 year-old Grant Virgin was walking in the street near Sacred Heart Church last Monday night along Deep Canyon Road when he was hit by a white sedan.

Capt. Kevin Vest, Riverside County Sheriff, says,”Witnesses who saw the driver pull over, stop, get out of her car, look at the front of her car, look back toward the roadway where Grant was laying in the roadway, and then re-enter the car, and flea the scene.”

His injuries were so severe, his family told us last week at press conference, it’s a miracle he made it to the hospital.

Vest says, “I’ve investigated a number of these cases and they have had a fraction of these injuries, so he is a very strong young man.”

The accident left Grant with several broken bones, a crushed aorta and a severe brain injury.

John Virgin says, “The brain injury is the issue and we don’t know, it’s not a predicable outcome.”

Grant’s mom, J.J. Virgin, is a a celebrity fitness expert. She has been posting updates about his progress on Facebook. The latest post says Grant is opening his eyes. Doctors have been lowering his sedation so they can access the full extent of his injuries.

Capt. Vest says, “It’s a horrific case for the community. It’s a horrific case for the police department to investigate and I can’t even imagine what it’s like for the family.”

John Virgin says, “These things scare, not just our family, his friends at school, but the entire community.”

Tips from the community about the driver have come in, but sheriff’s deputies say they need more.

Sgt. Dave Adams of the Sheriff’s Department, says, “These type of cases where there are no leads from the beginning other than the general description, are often times difficult to solve without the public’s help. That is why its so important that we get public involvement.”

The family is hoping the driver will come forward on their own.

“It’s the right thing to do. It can never help Grant; the incident has happened. It would give some closure as to how and why,” says Virgin.

The driver is described as an Hispanic woman, 30 years old, 5 feet 6 inches, 150 pounds, with shoulder-length black hair. She was seen driving a white compact car.

Police believe she lives or works in the Palm Desert area.

If you have any information on this crash call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341-stop. You can remain anonymous and could be eligible for up to a $1,000 cash reward.