A $10,000 reward was offered Tuesday for information leading to an arrest in the fatal Chula Vista hit-and-run that killed a beloved husband and father, confirmed Chula Vista police.
"He didn't have to die. He was a father and husband. Come forward and say something," said Fermin’s wife, Gina Mateo.
On Jan. 22, Rafael Cruz Fermin, 42, was struck while crossing Broadway at about 6:30 p.m.
Chula Vista police caught the suspect vehicle on surveillance video. A 2002 to 2005 Ford Explorer, appearing red in color, was involved in the crash, police said. The headlight on the car may have been damaged as well.
"How could someone live with themselves, knowing what they did to my husband, leaving him in the rain," Mateo said.
The suspect left the scene, traveling southbound on the 400 block of Broadway.
"He loved me. He loved the kids. He was an awesome person. We loved him," Mateo said.
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Fermin was a stepfather to Jacqueline Thorpe, Jericca Thorpe and David Frausto. The family said he always treated them as his own children.
An investigation is ongoing with the CVPD's Traffic Unit. If you have any information, call Chula Vista Police at (619) 422-8477 or contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
