Feb. 23--Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators have found the party bus that hit a pedestrian in Norwalk and dragged him more than 200 feet.
After following up on leads, investigators identified the vehicle as a 1998 Ford E-450 bus and its registered owner, who is a Pico Rivera resident.
Sheriff's officials say the owner is cooperating with investigators. The party bus was held as evidence at a local tow yard.
Efren Virgen Jr., 26, was walking on Fairford Avenue south of Ratliffe Street about 2:30 a.m. when a southbound black bus with flashing interior lights and music blasting from the speakers hit him, authorities said.
Virgen's family identified him as the victim to KTLA.
"He's very precious to us. We're a very tight family," said his sister, Catalina Rolon Virgen. "For this to happen to him ... I just can't even believe it."
Virgen was rushed to a local hospital and remained in critical condition, KTLA reported.
A witness said the bus was last seen turning west on Foster Road. Investigators told reporters at the scene they believed the driver knew someone was hit but continued on anyway.
Sheriff's officials asked anyone who was on the bus or might have seen it to call the Norwalk station at (562) 863-8711. To remain anonymous, call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website LACrimeStoppers.org.
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