Police ask public’s help in finding hit-and-run driver

The El Centro Police Department is asking the public to come forward with any information regarding a hit and run that took place this past weekend.

48-year-old Stephanie Escalera was struck at 6th and Vine Street in El Centro on Saturday night.

When officers arrived on scene Escalera was found unconscious and here injuries led officials to believe that she was involved in a hit and run.

Escalera was flown to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and has been in a coma since.

Police do not have a description of a vehicle or person but are asking any possible witnesses to speak up and contact detectives.

“She was unconscious; she was seen by a passerby at about 9 to 10 pm. When the officers looked closely at Mrs. Escalera the noticed several injuries which were consistent to having been struck by a vehicle as well as some paint chips that were discovered on scene, and a plastic vehicle part as well,” said Detective Dorian Meneses with the El Centro Police Department.

Unfortunately News 11 has confirmed that Stephanie Escalera passed away late Tuesday evening.

Officials say that gold paint chips were also recovered at the scene, but still no word on a make or model.

A hit-and-run with injuries is a serious offense and again if you have any information or may have seen anything you are asked to contact the El Centro Police Department.

A go-fund-me page has be created to help the family: https://www.gofundme.com/stephanie-escalera