Teens aid pedestrian struck by hit-and-run driver

Had Jose and Miguel Pena followed their mother's advice on the evening of July 22, they might never have found Cayle Hanson lying by the side of the road that night.

Maria Gonzalez said the boys, Miguel is 16 and Jose is 17, wanted to go to swimming, but she didn't want them to.

They were driving home at about 11:20 p.m. when they spotted Hanson near Lutheran Bridge in Gardnerville.

"They looked at one another and said 'Did you see that?'" Gonzalez said. "They went back and stopped and then saw the man on the ground and called 911 for medical help."

Medics, Nevada Highway Patrol troopers and Douglas County deputies responded to the scene.

According to Highway Patrol spokesman Trooper Chuck Allen, Hanson, 32, was walking southbound along the side of the road when a vehicle drifted from its lane and hit him.

Hanson suffered seven broken ribs, a torn spleen, fractured arm, dislocated shoulder and a punctured lung, according to family members.

He could only describe the vehicle as some sort of truck.

He was taken by Care Flight to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno and was just released a few days ago and is continuing to recover at home, Allen said.

According to the investigation, the vehicle in question could be a full sized pickup or SUV, and should have visible damage to its right front and right side to include having a missing right side mirror.

Allen asked that anyone working for auto wrecking yards, automobile body shops, letter carriers, home delivery drivers, or even a neighbor who notices recent damage to a pickup or SUV, should call (775) 688-2500 ext. 4 or (775) 687-0400 regarding case No. NHP-0907222251.

An account has been established to help with Hanson's medical bills with Bank of America for anyone wishing to make a contribution. That account number is No. 501006806286.