Teen suffers life-threatening injuries in hit-and-run - New York News | NYC Breaking News

A 19-year-old Woodstock woman is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a hit-and-run driver over the weekend.

Athens-Clarke County police say a vehicle struck Emily Bowman as she walked with friends in Athens Sunday morning. The truck kept going.  

Police say Bowman was walking in the grass along Oak Street when a truck went up over the curb and struck her from behind.

"Her eyes are real bad swollen…She's just a sick girl," said Dale Bowman, Emily's father.

Dale Bowman says Emily, a student at Kennesaw State University, had gone to Athens to celebrate a friend's birthday. He said that doctors are worried about potential brain swelling.

"Waiting room up there yesterday, it was just crowded with all her friends. As a parent, that means the world, but she's really got a tough battle," Bowman said.

After witnesses provided a description, investigators found the truck that is suspected in incident, but they could not locate the driver.

Investigators tell FOX 5 they have a 22-year-old suspect.

"They just want to be able to put him behind the seat and make it airtight," Dale Bowman said.

Bowman's family and friends are waiting and trying to remain strong for the young woman described as vibrant with a smile like a sun.

"She is very happy go lucky. Loves life and loves her friends, loves school. She is very active, very healthy girl with a lifetime ahead of her. I hope she gets to see that," said Deborah Bowman, Emily's mother.

Dale Bowman had no comment on the suspect, saying he was focusing his attention on his daughter.