NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk police detectives are hoping a newly increased reward for information will help them solve a hit-and-run.
A private donation increased Norfolk Crime Line's cash reward for information leading to an arrest from a maximum of $1,500 to $2,500.
The hit-and-run happened on December 23, 2023, and left 31-year-old John Aaron Mallard Crenshaw in bad shape.
A Norfolk police spokeswoman said someone called in about the incident at around 7:45 p.m. Officers found him badly hurt on Pecan Point Road, across from the Royal Farms on busy East Virginia Beach Boulevard.
John's loved ones told 13News Now he was hit while walking home in the direction of Pecan Point Road in Norfolk.
Relatives said John crossed the boulevard after leaving Royal Farms.
"He got hit by a car, and they left him, didn't stop or anything," said John's father, Ronald Crenshaw, Sr.
John and his family preferred to keep images of him in the hospital private. Ronald said the hit-and-run left his son with severe brain trauma along with facial fractures, rib fractures and a broken hip.
"Now, the thing is he's going through a lot of rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy to bring him back to as much of a full recovery as we can," said Ronald.
As John recovers, he has a "support squad" behind him.
"I am grateful, like, a lot," said John.
"He's not one who's going to give up. He's a fighter. I'll put it that way. He's definitely a fighter," said Ronald.
While John continues to fight, Norfolk police detectives are working with limited clues.
"We're praying and hoping someone saw, heard, or knows something about this accident," said Ronald.
"Call the hotline," John pleaded. "Whoever saw something, please say something."
The hotline is 1-888-LOCK-UP. If you call that or use P3 Tips online, you don't have to give your name.
At the same time, John also said he hopes the driver will do the right thing and come forward to police.