HERSHEY, Pa. — A member of the Penn State Harrisburg police department was injured in a hit-and-run crash in Dauphin County earlier this month, authorities said.
Lt. Juan Castro Jr. was struck by another vehicle in a suspected "road rage" incident on October 6, according to Derry Township Police, who are investigating the incident.
Castro was seriously injured in the incident, police said. His police department confirmed his involvement in a statement to FOX43.
"While we generally do not comment on ongoing criminal investigations, we are aware that Lieutenant Juan Castro, Jr. was the victim in this incident and that the incident is now being investigated by Derry Township Police," the statement said. "Penn State Harrisburg and University Police and Public Safety (UPPS) have been in close contact with Lt. Castro and his loved ones since the accident and have offered and are providing support to them. We greatly appreciate the work of the first responders and thank those who reported to the incident."
According to police, the hit-and-run crash occurred at about 9:41 p.m. on the 400 block of Park Avenue (Route 743).
Witnesses told police that Castro got out of his vehicle during a "road rage" confrontation and was struck by the other vehicle, a Toyota Sequoia.
The suspect vehicle fled the scene after striking Castro, police said.
Derry Township Police are seeking assistance from the public in attempting to identify the driver of the described Toyota Sequoia. The vehicle should have damage to the front, especially the grille area, and may have driver's side damage as well, from the victim being dragged and ending up being thrown from the driver's side of the vehicle as the suspect vehicle fled.
"We realize that many drivers have dashcam video systems installed in their vehicles and those dashcams may have recorded the suspect vehicle before, during, or after the assault occurred," the police department said. "We are asking anyone with such footage to contact our department as soon as possible."
Tipsters can contact Derry Township Police at (717) 534-2202 or submit a tip online.
