Clarkstown police seeking suspect in Nanuet hit-and-run that injured road worker

NANUET, N.Y. (WABC) -- Clarkstown police are seeking the driver involved with a hit-and-run accident in Nanuet last week that badly injured a construction worker on the job.

49-year old Arthur Babcock, part of a privately-contracted crew, was repairing a natural gas cap for Orange and Rockland Utilities on Second Avenue when he was hit Tuesday.

Babcock suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital with broken bones and lacerations.

He may not walk again as a result of the incident. His wife has been by his bedside while police search for the driver responsible.

"I would have had more respect if this man stopped and admitted to an accident, a horrific freak accident, but he kept going," said his wife Vicki Babcock. "You stop for a deer, how do you run over a whole human being?"

Police released video of the vehicle that struck Babcock, who was bending over at the time. "Apparently he just ignored the flagmen totally, struck the employee, continued on and never stopped," said Peter Walker of the Clarkstown Police Department.

The car ran directly over Babcock, who broke his nose, shoulder, ribs, pelvis and hip. The father of four is in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center.

"Imagine tire marks on your husband, and half his back totally purple," said Vicki.

Police said the suspect is a Hispanic male driving a gold Chevy Trailblazer or similar vehicle, with a large black spot on the rear driver's side door. Witnesses also said the car did not have New York plates.

There is a distinct black mark on the rear driver's side door. The car also has a push bumper on the front grill.

Members of Babcock's union say they're often harassed by impatient motorists. "We all sometimes get frustrated when we get stuck in traffic. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't get frustrated, but I don't pull out, run around the cones, run over a guy and keep going," said Stephen Reich of Laborers Local 754.

"I'm grateful he's alive, but we're still praying, that's all I've got to say," said Vicki Babcock. "I don't know, so we're taking it day by day."

Anyone with information about this incident can call the Clarkstown Police Department TIPS Line at 1-877-639-6233 or 845-639-5840. The union is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.