Search continues for driver after 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. hit by car in Philadelphia
Police said they are searching for a silver vehicle that was seen leaving the scene
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The search continues Monday for a vehicle and its driver after Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. was hit by a car Saturday night.
Police said they were searching for a silver vehicle that fled the scene.
The crash investigation division told Action News they would speak with Oubre again on Monday to learn more details about the exact location of the collision and learn if he can remember details about the vehicle.
Oubre was struck in a hit-and-run crash not far from where he lives. He told police he was walking alone on the 1400 block of Spruce Street, crossing Hicks Street, when he was knocked down after being hit by a car that was trying to turn onto Hicks.
The silver vehicle struck the 27-year-old in the upper chest with the driver-side mirror before fleeing the scene, police said.
Oubre was taken to the hospital with a broken rib and other injuries to his hip and right leg.
READ | 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. struck, injured by vehicle in Philadelphia
Across Philadelphia, people are wishing the star player a fast recovery.
"It's so upsetting to hear that he was hit on his way home, not the welcome home I had hoped for him," said Anne Hall from Center City.
Investigators have been combing the area of the crash for surveillance of that car.
Philadelphia has seen a recent rise in fatal hit-and-runs, with incidents increasing over the last three years.
So far in 2023, the city has seen 35 deadly hit-and-runs, with 25 of the victims being pedestrians.
"Obviously not the greatest look for our city on the national scale, but I'm just glad he is okay," said Joanna Polaski from Center City on Oubre's crash. "Sometimes there are more important things than basketball."
Oubre did not play with the Sixers on Sunday, but the team made sure to bring home the W for him. They played against the Indiana Pacers, winning 137-126.
At the game, fans showed their support for Oubre.
"I hope you get well soon!" fans shouted outside the Wells Fargo Center.
Oubre will be re-evaluated in one week, and officials are still waiting to see how this will impact the rest of the season.
Doctors are hopeful Oubre can return to the court before the season ends.
Head Coach Nick Nurse says Oubre is hopeful he'll be playing soon, too.
"When he is communicating with me, he's saying how soon he's going to be back. He's in a really good mindset," said Nurse.
Oubre is in his first season with the 76ers and has averaged 16.8 points in the first eight games. He was the 15th overall pick of the 2015 draft and has played with four other teams.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
