Video of hit-and-run released as victim’s father pleads for help

Police released graphic surveillance video Thursday showing the moment a truck driver struck and dragged a 24-year-old autistic man 100 feet before fleeing a Stanton neighborhood.

Jeff Bell was on his way to work April 23 and was crossing the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Beach Boulevard when a truck driver rammed into him and continued driving.

The crash left Bell with a severe laceration to his scalp that required 38 staples and burns and abrasions to more than 20% of his body. He remains hospitalized.

WARNING GRAPHIC VIDEO: KTLA reports on autistic 24-year-old hit in Stanton

His father, Michael Bell, pleaded for the public’s help in finding the driver, who he said left his son for dead.

“It sickens me,” he said at a news conference. “That’s not just some human being. That’s my boy.”

While Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators don’t have any information on the driver, they said the pickup truck likely has damage to its front end from the collision.

The truck was described as a bright, metallic teal, 1993-1996 GMC single-cab truck. The truck had a sticker stuck to the left side of the rear cab window.

Investigators urged anyone with information about the crash or can identify the truck to call the Sheriff’s Department’s traffic bureau at (949) 425-1864. To remain anonymous, call (855) 847-6227.