Police seek driver in hit-and-run crash

White Street in Danbury, Conn., in front of Western Connecticut State University's downtown campus. White Street in Danbury, Conn., in front of Western Connecticut State University's downtown campus. Photo: Carol Kaliff / File Photo Buy photo Photo: Carol Kaliff / File Photo Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Police seek driver in hit-and-run crash 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

DANBURY — Police are searching for a driver who struck a pedestrian Wednesday morning outside the Western Connecticut State University’s midtown campus on White Street.

The victim, a 23-year-old New Milford man, sustained non-life-threatening head injuries, authorities said. He was taken to Danbury Hospital shortly after 11 a.m. and was released from the hospital the same day, according to officials.

The driver hit the pedestrian on the campus’ main crosswalk right below the overpass, throwing him about 10 feet to the ground before driving away, Assistant Fire Chief Mark Omasta said.

Witnesses told police the man pressed the button to activate the flashing yellow lights for the crosswalk before he stepped into traffic and was struck by a car traveling eastbound, Lt. Christian Carroccio said.

It’s not clear what type of car struck the man. Carroccio said bystanders described the car as a silver sedan with a possible plate of DDL9603, but police have not been able to find any matches.

That section of White Street has undergone major safety improvements in recent years after a series of accidents and close calls between vehicles and pedestrians crossing the roadway.

Dong Lin, a 19-year-old Brookfield resident and university student, was killed in one of those accidents when he was struck while crossing the street in November 2011.

After his death, crosswalks were relocated, flashing lights were installed and a second crosswalk was added on the busy, three-lane road between the university’s parking garage and Fifth Avenue.

Anyone with information is asked to call 203-797-4611, ext. 572.

noliveira@newstimes.com, 203-731-3411, Twitter: @olivnelson