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Motorcyclist In Grave Condition After Hit & Run In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4)- A motorcyclist, severely injured in a hit and run in Lakewood, is an Army veteran. Police are still searching for the driver who struck the motorcycle and drove away.

Two people riding on a motorcycle were hurt when an SUV turned in front of them at about 9 p.m. Thursday at West Alameda and South Benton Street.

"I know that somewhere, some mother's son made a terrible mistake and we can't turn back the clock and undo the mistake but I know what Jesse would say," said Priscilla Ingebrigsten.

Priscilla is the mother of Jesse Pringle, was driving the motorcycle when it was struck on Thursday night. His girlfriend, Tasha, was riding with him. She is expected to survive.

Pringle, 26, is considered a war hero by his family. The former Lakewood High School football player and Army specialist remained in grave condition Friday evening, nearly 24 hours after the crash.

"What Jesse has done, risking his life for his country. He came back okay and then this happens," said Jesse's father Steve Ingebrigsten.

Detectives will be examining surveillance video for clues on the driver and the vehicle.

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(credit: CBS)

Police said the SUV continued driving south of South Benton Street after it struck the motorcycle and then disappeared through a connecting parking lot.

"The least he could have done is just stop. At least if you stop it would have mattered somewhat. But just leaving is terrible," said Jesse's brother Alexander Pringle.

Police are searching for a black or dark blue SUV. Detectives said it would have significant damage on the passenger side.

Jesse's family hopes the driver is captured or comes forward. They are struggling to make sense of what happened.

"Jesse would forgive these people. I know he would. If he could wake up, he would be the first to say, 'I've made mistakes myself.' That's just who Jesse is," said Priscilla.

There is no description of the driver.

Anyone with information about the hit and run is asked to call Lakewood Police at 303-987-7111.

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