Driver hits stranded motorist and flees

SOCORRO, N.M. (KRQE) - Police have few leads in the hunt for the driver responsible for a roadside crash on a dark highway early Thursday that left a stranded motorist in critical condition.

According to New Mexico State Police, Kenneth Sink, 52, had run out of gas about 35 miles south of Socorro.

He was filling his tank on the shoulder of Interstate 25 about 4 a.m. when he was hit by a passing vehicle.

Sink's Ford Bronco is now in a Socorro tow yard with its gas cap still open and the left side of the SUV raked with damage.

A truck driver called 911 after finding Sink with traumatic injuries from the waist down.

An ambulance driver told KRQE News 13 it appears Sink lost his leg.

Police said he was conscious during the ambulance trip to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque but couldn't remember what happened.

"Of course, this is four o'clock in the morning," State Police Lt. Robert McDonald said. "It's dark. Somebody hits you. You're probably not going to remember a whole lot.

"We don't have any information on the suspect vehicle that hit him.

The truck driver who helped the victim didn't see the actual crash.

And while the Bronco does show some tire marks, there was no paint transfer, which will make it even harder to come up with a description of the hit-and-run vehicle.

Sink, who is from Arizona, was alone at the time. If there were other witnesses, they have not come forward.