2 remain in serious condition a week after hit-run crash

<p>Two Petaluma roommates critically injured by a hit-and-run driver last week remained in serious condition Tuesday.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Melissa Wells and Bilius Mindaugas, both 27, were driving east on Rainsville Road near Stony Point Road in Petaluma on Nov. 24 when their car was rear-ended by a man driving a white Honda.</p><p>The driver fled the scene of the 10 p.m. crash, leaving the Honda and a pair of pants behind, California Highway Patrol officials said.</p><p>Mindaugas was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. Wells was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.</p><p>Ben Backman, Wells' stepfather, said his daughter took a turn for the better Tuesday. Wells' injuries included a collapsed lung and fractured pelvic bones. She has been able to nod and whisper, Backman said. Hospital staff removed her ventilator Tuesday.</p><p>"This is our eighth day straight at the hospital," Backman said. "She smiled today, that was a biggie."</p><p>Mindaugas was in serious condition Tuesday, according to a spokeswoman with John Muir Medical Center.</p><p>The CHP on Sunday arrested Darren Valenzano, 25, of Petaluma, on suspicion of felony DUI and felony hit and run. He was booked into Sonoma County Jail with bail set at $30,000.</p><p>— Julie Johnson, The Press Democrat</p>