Grandson of hit-and-run victim: 'I would just ask them why they kept driving'

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - A driver hit a pedestrian and drove for a mile and half with the victim on top of the car, Springfield Police said.

The victim later died at the hospital.

The suspect vehicle has not been located.

The hit-and-run crash Thursday night fatally wounded Daniel Ortiz-Reynaga, 67, of Mexico, and injured his son, Julio Ortiz, 39, of Springfield, police said.

The two were crossing at the intersection of 54th and Main streets around 6:16 p.m. Thursday when they were hit by a white Honda Civic wagon, police said.

The car sideswiped Ortiz.

"The person who was hit that the officers were talking to and when he got up realized the other person who was his father was missing," Sgt. Richard Charboneau said.

The impact flipped Ortiz-Reynaga up on top of the car, police said.

The driver continued west to 43rd Place with the victim on top of the car, police said.

As the car approached 42nd Street and Smith Way, the victim either fell off the car or was removed, police said.

Medics rushed the injured man to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said a Lane Transit District bus captured the suspect vehicle on video. Images from that video have not yet been made public.

If anyone has any additional information on this case, they are asked to call the Springfield Police Department at (541)726-3714.

The victim's grandson, who shares the same first and last names as the survivor, spoke to KMTR NewsSource 16.

"I was happy when I saw him, and I could tell he was happy to see me as well," grandson Julio Ortiz said. "He asked me why I didn't go to Mexico because my sister went there and they came back together."

Ortiz said he wishes he could just ask the driver one question.

"I would just ask them why they kept driving," he said. "I want to know their point of view because I really don't understand."

This is a developing story. This story will be updated. Watch #LiveOnKMTR for more on this story