Family: Raleigh hit-and-run victim fighting for life

Raleigh, N.C. — The family of a hit-and-run crash victim say he's fighting to hang on despite severe injuries to his liver, internal bleeding and multiple broken bones.

Joseph Paul Johnson, 46, was listed in critical condition at WakeMed Monday, one day after he was hit head-on by a suspected drunken driver, said his brother, Glenn Johnson.

Police said Alejandro Ramirez-Castaneda, 25, fled on foot after the crash, which happened shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday on Garner Road at Peterson Street in Raleigh. He was later arrested and charged with felony hit and run, felony serious injury by vehicle, resisting a public officer by running, open container of alcohol, improper passing to the left, driving without an operator's license and driving while impaired.

Glenn Johnson said his brother's truck was crushed and mangled by the force of impact.

"It pushed the engine and the whole front end up to the dash," he said. "The steering wheel went into his chest and stomach."

Joey Johnson, who was headed to a construction job when the crash happened, is unconscious and heavily medicated, Glenn Johnson said. His wife hasn't left his side.

"She thinks he can just open his eyes and talk to her, and he can't," Glenn Johnson said. "It's going to be a while."

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Latest Comments

"I had a friend who was hit bu a drunk U.S.Citizen. Comment on that"

Your friend was hit by someone guilty of one crime less than the illegally immigrated drunk that caused this accident.

jenjengirl89
January 28, 2013 5:33 p.m.

1. Sorry to hear about the incident. 2. Somebody please guard the border because the government can't/won't.

wwrwheel
January 28, 2013 5:02 p.m.

It's a shame that illegal aliens can freely kill, maim, rape, and rob innocent citizens (children too) in the US.

One incident like this is too many. Illegal aliens commit between 700,000 to 1,289,000 or more crimes per year. Illegal aliens commit at least 2,158 murders each year.

Still think it's not a problem?

Barfly
January 23, 2013 2:55 p.m.

Bad drivers cause a lot of grief. I hope the victim pulls through.

LocalYokel
January 23, 2013 11:19 a.m.

Hope he gets well soon,sorry to you and your family mommiesade2 prayers for you and all and you are right this person should not have been here in the first place and whoever allowed him without checking his background should also be charged .