Car involved in Yeadon hit-and-run found

YEADON, Pa. - June 22, 2011

Investigators say a tip call led them to a 2007 silver Dodge Caliber at 54th and Vine in Philadelphia.

"This is the vehicle we were looking for. It has damage consistent with the accident we are investigating," said Det. Sgt. David Splain of Yeadon Police.

Police say the owner and driver of the car, 32-year-old Wilaisha Rankins from Upper Darby, remains at large. Action News has learned she is a nurse by profession.

Surveillance cameras captured the dramatic footage back on June 9th at around 10:30 p.m. The car, allegedly driven by Rankins, is shown crashing into a man and pushing him into the Yeadon 7-Eleven store on Church Lane.

Moments later the passenger, now identified as Tylese Pitts, is seen stepping out of the car and leaving.

Ultimately, a male passenger and the driver also flee with no one rendering aid to the man who was run over.

Pitts has come forward and told authorities they were out drinking at a bar shortly before the car crash. It is not likely she will face charges.

Reporter Dan Cuellar asked her on Tuesday night why she didn't stop to help.

"I was in shock into the whole situation; I've never been through anything like this in my entire life. I was in total shock."

The victim, Gejea Ejeta, a native of Ethiopia, is still recovering from the accident with an injured leg.

With the driver still on the run, police had some of advice for her.

"Turn yourself in. We're not going to go away. We want to hear her side of the story and we intend on completing the full investigation," Splain said.

Anyone with information is being asked to call Yeadon police.

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