Authorities Searching for Hit and Run Suspect – Victim Not Seriously Injured [AUDIO]

A Ronan man was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle early Sunday morning, but was not seriously injured.

Missoula Police Department spokesman Travis Welsh said the incident was reported at about 2:15 a.m. on Sunday.

"The incident occurred in the 400 block of West Broadway," Welsh said. "The victim is a 26 year-old male from Ronan who was walking northbound on Orange Street after speaking with a female who was apparently associated with the suspect vehicle. Witnesses report that when the male victim appeared at the entrance to the alley, the vehicle accelerated and struck him in the left leg, knocking him to the ground. Witnesses called 9-1-1, and then transported the male to St. Patrick Hospital where he was treated for a large bruise on his leg."

Welsh said the witness saw three people inside the suspect vehicle, two men and a woman.

"There was a clean-shaven male in his 20's, who was the driver," Welsh said. "The female is described as an adult in her 20's wearing tight gray pants, tennis shoes and a scarf around her neck, and she had curly red shoulder-length hair. The other passenger was described only as a male in his 20's."

Welsh said the hit-and-run vehicle was described as a newer model Jeep Liberty or Cherokee, silver in color with local plates, and it also had tinted windows.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Missoula Crimestoppers at 721-44-44, or Detective Sheila Moore at 552-6300.

Missoula Police Department Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Travis Welsh