Eric Pagan

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, in combination with an anonymous donor, has increased the reward for an arrest in last week’s hit and run crash involving 13-year-old Eric Pagan to up to $2,000.

Today, an anonymous donor pledged an additional $1,000 to the Crime Stoppers reward for any information that leads to the drivers arrest.

Eric was walking home on Richmond Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. Aug. 25 when a driver struck the teen, knocking him into a water filled ditch nearby. A family member happened to be driving in the area and found Pagan lying in the ditch.

He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries, including broken bones, but over the course of the weekend he has improved to stable condition.

“Eric was walking in a residential neighborhood when this occurred, and the driver didn’t even have the decency to stop to render aid or even call 911,” said Trish Routte, coordinator for Crime Stoppers, said. “We are asking anyone who resides or frequents that part of Lehigh to report any information they may have seen or know, or any vehicle damage that could be consistent with a hit and run crash.”

“This could have simply been an accident, but the minute the driver made the conscious choice to leave the scene, it turned into a felony crime and someone will face justice for their irresponsible actions,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers and $1,000 from the anonymous donor. Tips may also be made online at: www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office