Man Run Over By Car In North Bay Was First Punched In Face: Police

NORTH BAY, CA – San Rafael police have arrested a man suspected of punching a man in the face before the victim was run over by a vehicle last week, a police lieutenant said.

Police found the 21-year-old victim unconscious on Bellam Boulevard around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 26. He was taken to Marin General Hospital and is in critical condition, according to Lt. Jim Correa.

The victim, who was involved in an argument at a nearby restaurant, was punched in the face and fell to the ground, according to Correa.

The driver of a car that then struck the man in the roadway stopped at the scene but left as police and fire department personnel arrived, according to Correa.

The vehicle was a newer black or dark colored Ford Mustang, and police are still looking for the driver. He was described as a Hispanic male in his mid 20s, approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches and 160
pounds.

The man suspected of punching the victim, Henry David Deras-Valdez, 21, of San Rafael, was located and arrested Friday night for felony battery causing serious injury and violating probation. He is being held in the Marin County Jail under $50,000 bail.

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--Bay City News/File photo