Father of 5-year-old speaks out after son was hospitalized in hit-and-run

"I truly wouldn’t want this to happen to anybody."

The father of a 5-year-old boy spoke to News Channel 3 in an exclusive interview on Friday after his son was hospitalized in a hit-and-run crash in Indio.

As of Friday Rafael Beltran's son, Elias, was placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Riverside.

The two-vehicle crash happened on Fred Waring Drive and Indio Boulevard at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. There was no word on a possible cause of what led to the crash.

"Right now he’s more stable but we’re just trying to see his reaction if he’s going to wake up. He does need a blood transplant and he does have fractures in his body, which are in his spine and in his right shoulder," said Beltran.

Beltran had been working at the time of the crash. He said his wife called him to tell him they were in an accident. She was hospitalized at a valley desert, and has since been discharged.

"She’s home, she has a lot of anxiety the fact that my son is in the ICU still," said Beltran.

Beltran accompanied Elias in the helicopter to Riverside. He's been by his son's bedside throughout every step of the way.

"He’s a strong little kid, I just am hoping he could push through it and sooner or later we can be on our way home."

"Preliminary information was that it was a hispanic male adult wearing all dark clothing leaving the scene of the traffic collision," said Indio Police spokesperson, Benjamin Guitron.

Guitron told News Channel 3 that police are looking for the driver of one of the vehicles, which was described as a black Toyota Highlander, possibly newer model.

"As of right now we’re just trying to confirm who that was. The best thing is to call us, turn yourself in," said Guitron.

Indio police have received lots of information on the incident, according to Guitron.

Meanwhile, Beltran had a message for the person behind his son's injuries.

"You did the crime, be man enough to pay what you did."

Indio PD asks that anyone with information on this incident call (760) 391-4057. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Valley Crimestoppers at 760-341-7867