Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports that a man who was walking along N.Y. Route 22 (U.S. Route 202) in the Town of Southeast yesterday (Sunday, August 27th) was critically injured after he was struck by a vehicle that then left the scene. Investigators are searching for the driver and vehicle involved in the hit and run.

The victim is identified as Mr. Balvino Ramos Lopez, aged 48, whose last known address is 62 Main Street in Brewster. He was reportedly walking in a northbound direction along Route 22/202 at about 8:30 P.M. on Sunday, just south of the Jaipore Royal Indian restaurant, when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. Subsequently, another motorist came upon the scene, saw the victim lying in the middle of the northbound lane and called 911.

Sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, the Brewster Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance Corps, and paramedics responded to the scene. Mr. Lopez was initially taken by ambulance to Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel and was later transferred to the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. At last report, he was hospitalized in critical condition with severe trauma.

Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including vehicle fragments from the suspect vehicle. Investigators are canvassing the area for witnesses and are reviewing closed circuit video recordings from nearby residences and businesses.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (845) 225-4300. All calls will be kept confidential.