A family is hoping a motorist who caused a hit-and-run crash on Thursday afternoon that left a 72-year-old Akron woman paralyzed from the waist down will be found.
“They say you never know what can happen,” said Kristen Davis, the woman’s daughter. “I didn’t know how true that was until now.”
According to police reports, Doshie Gulley’s vehicle was struck while she was driving home from a hair appointment. The other driver was a man who sped through a stop sign.
The crash happened at East Archwood Avenue and Moore Street shortly before 2 p.m. The other driver, behind the wheel of a 2007 Cadillac SRX SUV, struck the right rear of Gulley’s 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The Rendezvous spun several times before slamming into a utility pole, Gulley’s family said.
“He struck her so hard that the hatchback of her Rendezvous came off,” said Gulley’s other daughter, Jennifer Walker. “They had to tear off the door with a machine to get her out.”
The other driver attempted to drive away, according to police, but struck a utility pole as well and flipped the Cadillac onto its side. The man exited the vehicle and fled the scene northbound on Moore Street, the same direction he had been driving.
Gulley was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, where she’s listed in serious condition.
Her family on Friday said Gulley, who has lived in Akron all her life, is scheduled to undergo surgery. She’s conscious sometimes, they said, but is being medicated for severe pain.
Davis and Walker said their mother spent most of her life prior to retirement caring for the mentally disabled. Even after retirement, she continued to serve in some capacity.
“She gave her life to the disabled,” Davis said, “and now she’s paralyzed.”
The sisters begged the public to help them find who hurt their mother.
Very little description is available for the other driver. Police said he’s a black man with a high-top haircut, who wore all black clothing. Any witnesses with a better description are asked to call police at 330-375-2490.
Police said the driver’s Cadillac had not been reported stolen.
“Our officers are following up with the owner,” said Lt. Rick Edwards. “They’re hoping to find some answers.”
Nick Glunt can be reached at 330-996-3565 or nglunt@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickGluntABJ and on Facebook @JournoNickGlunt .