Police seek driver who hit, then beat pedestrian

Independent staff

GALLUP — Gallup Police are looking for a driver who struck a pedestrian on Tuesday before getting out of his vehicle and then punching the 20-year-old student repeatedly in the face.

The unknown driver of the older model maroon or blue Chevy truck was traveling west along Highway 66, near Third Street, when 20-year-old Marvin Wauneka, of Fort Defiance, reportedly tried to cross the roadway.

According to an accident report, the vehicle struck Wauneka causing injury to his right knee. Following the incident, the driver got out of his vehicle and allegedly punched Wauneka on both the head and face before driving from the scene.

Wauneka was transported to Public Health Services for treatment of his injuries and was later released.

A witness to the incident reportedly confirmed Wauneka's account of what occurred. Alcohol was involved in the accident, according to a report. Crimestoppers, 722-6161, is offering an award of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the driver.