Teen who lost leg has questions for California driver who fled. ‘Why did you run?’

Joshua Mora says “accidents happen” after losing a leg when a motorcyclist struck him crossing the street. But the 13-year-old says he just can’t understand why the driver didn’t stay to help.

“Why did you run?” Joshua told KNBC he’d ask the motorcyclist. “Why didn’t he help me get up or something?”

The hit-and-run crash took place on Whittier Boulevard in Boyle Heights at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30, Los Angeles police said in a news release.

The motorcyclist slid 80 feet, then got back on his motorcycle and sped away, police said. Police are still seeking the driver and his black motorcycle, which has damage from the crash.

“I would’ve forgave him if he would’ve stopped and checked if I was okay because I know accidents happen if you don’t see and you get distracted,” Joshua told KTLA. “I would’ve said it was okay, but since he ran, I don’t think I’ll forgive him for that.”

The 13-year-old told KNBC he loves to play basketball and intends to continue playing after he recovers.

“He gives us the power to keep going because he’s very strong. He shows us he’s strong,” his brother, Arturo Serrano, told KTLA. “He’s a warrior, he’s my warrior.”

Police ask that anyone with information contact detective Daniel Ramirez at 213-833-3713 or e-mail 39299@lapd.online

This story was originally published April 4, 2023 at 7:38 AM with the headline "Teen who lost leg has questions for California driver who fled. ‘Why did you run?’."