Man killed in hit and run in Madera County

MADERA COUNTY (KFSN) -- A man was left for dead along a rural road after being hit by a car in Madera County early Monday morning.

Authorities closed off Avenue 9 near Road 38 after a sheriff's deputy found the victim in the middle of the roadway while responding to a call of a suspicious person in the area.

"The driver reported suspicious circumstance of a pedestrian attempting to flag him down, saying he needed help. The driver stopped and helped assist the pedestrian, which included the pedestrian to charge his cell phone," said Sgt. Lincoln McKenna, California Highway Patrol.

That car then took off; officials don't believe it was involved in the collision.

"That is bizarre, it's not a common situation that we run into," said Sgt. Zack Zamudio, Madera County Sheriff's Office.

The CHP said a second car ran over the body but they believe the victim was already dead at that point. The driver of the second vehicle is co-operating with authorities while they continue to look for the driver that caused the initial deadly blow.

"Based on evidence left on scene, looks like it's going to be a late model Toyota vehicle, so that's what we're searching for," said McKenna.

The CHP said a mangled cell phone was found on the victim's body. They are going to try and use that along with speaking to family to look into what may have happened prior to this incident.

CHP officers also ask that if anyone saw anything or has any information to please call them.