SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Family and friends of a disabled Clairemont woman are making a plea for the arrest of a hit-and-run driver who left her with serious injuries.
Last week, a beaming Delores Odom appeared at a surprise party for her 59th birthday. One of the attendees was her friend and neighbor Maritza Gates.
"She was so happy that day. It breaks my heart to see her in the hospital now in so much pain," said Gates.
On Saturday just before 6:30 p.m., Odom decided to take a walk to grab dinner. She was crossing westbound on Genesee Avenue in the south crosswalk when she was hit by a vehicle that had been going westbound on Derrick Drive and made a left turn to southbound Genesee Avenue, according to police.
Odom's daughter Brianna says her mother broke her back in two places. Odom has feeling in her toes, but still faces possible paralysis and requires complicated back surgery. Her recovery and rehabilitation is made more challenging because of a decades-old diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
"There's a special place for people like that. I don't understand how you could hurt someone and then leave them. My mom is one of the nicest people ever. You don't know someone's story when you leave them to die on the street," she said.
Police say there is no description of the vehicle and are looking for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-580-8477.
A Gofundme campaignhas been set up to help with expenses.
