A man who allegedly fled a Fresno restaurant without paying for his meal Friday night was struck by a car moments later, leaving him with a hospital bill instead.
According to police, the man ran out of Indian’s Oven at about 9:30 p.m. after allegedly skipping payment for his meal.
Security personnel pursued him as he ran into Olive Avenue, Fresno Police Lieutenant James Rosetti told ABC 30. An eastbound vehicle then struck the pedestrian, and the driver fled the scene, Rosetti said.
The injured man was taken to Community Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries. The Fresno Police Department said in a Saturday update that he was in stable condition.
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Investigators used automated license plate reader technology to identify the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. Police found it near East Hammon Avenue and North First Street.
The suspect, 36-year-old Steven Jones, allegedly approached officers and acknowledged that he had been driving the vehicle when the collision occurred.
Police said testing showed Jones was driving under the influence. He was booked into Fresno County Jail on a felony hit-and-run charge.
Authorities have not identified the man who was injured after allegedly leaving the restaurant without paying.
Indian’s Oven specializes in Northern Indian cuisine, according to its website. The restaurant operates two Fresno locations and a banquet hall. The incident reportedly occurred near its Tower District location, north of downtown.
