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Hit & Run Driver Faces Felony Charges, 14-Year-Old Victim Seriously Injured

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Fort Collins have arrested the driver wanted in a hit-and-run that left a 14-year-old girl with serious injuries.

Police rushed to the intersection of Orchard Place and Timber Lane about 1:13 p.m. Monday on reports of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Investigators said the driver of a 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser, 21-year-old Samantha Bush, was traveling west on Orchard Place attempting to turn southbound onto Timber Lane.

A 14-year-old pedestrian was crossing Timber Lane from west to east at the intersection when she was struck by the front of the Land Cruiser.

Jason Caskey says if he had been home just 15 minutes sooner, he could have helped.

"I would get a good description of the vehicle and I know my wife would've been right there helping the girl," he said.

fort collins hit and run intersection
(credit: CBS)

Police said Bush initially stopped and spoke to the injured teen, but when others began arriving on scene she took off.

"I'm sure the girl feels awful. I'm sure it was an accident. I don't think anyone would do that on purpose," said neighbor Chelsea Cushing.

The victim was rushed to Poudre Valley Hospital and transferred to Children's Medical Center in Denver. She has serious head trauma and at least one broken bone.

It would take police less than 24 hours to track down Bush. With the help of an anonymous caller, they found her and her damaged car at Colorado State University where she works.

Police said Bush tried to mislead them by casting blame on another driver. She now faces felony charges.

Bush remains in custody at the Larimer Court Detention Center on charges of careless driving resulting in injury, failing to give notice or render aid, and false reporting to authorities.

Additional Information from Fort Collins Police:

Anyone with information about the collision, who has not already given a statement to police, is asked to contact Officer David Kaes at 970-221-6555, or Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868.  Crime Stoppers may also be reached through their web site at www.stopcriminals.org.

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