Grandmother fights for life after being struck in wheelchair by hit and run driver

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KTVU) - Family members came to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek Monday to visit Debra Bozeman, a grandmother lying in the intensive care unit in critical condition.

"My mama is fighting for her life," said Yasmin Farah, her daughter.

"It's right before the holidays. We are all torn up," said granddaughter Kamree Miller.

The 65-year-old Bozeman was struck by a hit and run driver as she attempted to cross Lone Tree Way in Antioch in her wheelchair, just before three o'clock early Sunday morning. 

"Whoever hit her and let her on the street, I don't know how you can do that," said Farah.

"Her spine has two fractures. She has a deep cut in her head. Her pelvis is completely broken," said Miller.

Relatives say they're not sure why Bozeman was out at that hour. They say Saturday she had been treated and released by Sutter Delta hospital in Antioch, but no one in the family knew why she had been there or in whose care the hospital released her.

Sutter Hospital would only say it is cooperating with police.

Bozeman was struck by the hit and run driver near the Antioch hospital.

Relatives described Bozeman, as outgoing and gentle.

"She's loud. She's a party person. She's the star in the room absolutely," said Miller.

Relatives say Bozeman became disabled 20 years ago when she was struck in the head with a gun. They say the assault made it difficult for her to walk. Relatives cared for her in her Antioch apartment.

Her family has this message for the hit and run driver: "Please just turn yourself in."

Police are looking for any surveillance footage.

The family is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.