Party Bus Runs Over, Drags Man in SoCal Hit-and-Run

Family members say the father of two young daughters is on life support

A driver of party bus ran over and dragged a man hundreds of feet in Southern California early Saturday, leaving the victim severely injured in what investigators are calling a hit-and-run.

The victim, identified by family members as Efren Virgen Jr., was walking on Fairford Avenue and Ratliffe Street in Norwalk (map) about 2:30 a.m. when he was struck by the bus, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials said.

A witness said he saw flashing neon lights inside the bus and heard music playing.

The 26-year-old victim was dragged more than 200 feet, officials said. He was hospitalized at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, where he was on life support.

Family members said Virgen is a father of two young daughters.

"He loves his girls, he loves life. He's my little brother," said Virgen's sister, Carmen Virgen.

The black bus was last seen turning westbound on Foster Road, officials said.

"I think from the evidence at the scene, it would be pretty obvious that the bus driver had to know something was going on," Det. Carl Anna said.

Anna said the bus may have swerved to avoid hitting Virgen.

"He probably saw him and just couldn't avoid him," Anna said.

A neighbor said cars often speed on the street where the crash took place.

"Accidents happen, but when you hit a person and you run, that's so inhumane. How can you leave somebody laying there?" said Virgen's sister, Carmen.

Sheriff's investigators were asking witnesses to come forward, including anyone who may have been on the bus at the time.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Norwalk Sheriff's Station at 562-863-8711.

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