Santa Rosa Police officer Shaun Spiegle, right, and Field and Evidence Technician Shannon Brady process the scene after a man was hit by a car on College Ave. at the corner of Mendocino Ave. in Santa Rosa, California on Monday, October 15, 2012. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)

Pedestrian struck by car identified as Santa Rosa man

RANDI ROSSMANN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A pedestrian struck by a car early Monday remained hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday, reported Santa Rosa police.

The pedestrian was Joseph Von Merta, 57, a Santa Rosa area transient, said Sgt. Lance Badger.

Von Merta was walking across College Avenue at Mendocino Avenue at about 5:20 a.m. Monday when he was hit by a Honda Accord headed west on College Avenue.

Von Merta was knocked into the front windshield and then over the hood and into the back windshield.

He suffered a variety of internal injuries and a broken leg and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Driver Emanuel Morales-Rodriguez, 25, of Santa Rosa had minor injuries from the broken windshield glass.

The driver had been on his way to work when the collision occurred, said Badger.

Officers have interviewed one witness and the driver. Badger declined to give details on their statements, including who had the green light, saying he was hoping more witnesses would come forward.

The crash remained under investigation. Badger asked anyone with information to contact Officer Ken Carstensen at (707) 543-3636.

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