A hit-and-run involving a pedestrian Wednesday resulted in serious injuries for a Cortez man.

Jesse Cline was struck by a vehicle about 6:30 p.m. while in the crosswalk at Montezuma Avenue and Mildred Road, according to Cortez police.

The suspect vehicle, a gray SUV, left the scene and is being sought by police.

Cline, 27, was walking eastbound on Montezuma and was crossing Mildred on the north side of the intersection when struck by the northbound SUV.

He was thrown about 40 feet onto the curb along Mildred, and the vehicle continued north on Mildred, said Cortez police Lt. Andy Brock. Witnesses assisted the victim and reported the hit-and-run.

Cline suffered “serious bodily injury,” Brock said.

He was transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital and was flown out to another facility for further medical care.

Cline had the right of way in the crosswalk, Brock said. The suspect is still at large and faces multiple charges.

The intersection is a major thoroughfare for local residents and can be a crowded scene of vehicles and pedestrians. The roads access Parque de Vida, local businesses and an elementary school.

A low hill on Mildred Road south of the intersection can limit visibility for cross traffic on Montezuma. The intersection has crosswalks across Mildred and Montezuma. There is not a crosswalk signal.

The city has been evaluating improving the intersection, officials said.

If you find yourself in an accident, don’t make it worse by leaving the scene, Brock said.

“It’s not only wrong, it’s criminal,” he said. “You compound the situation if you leave. If the victim was one of your friends or family members, you would want the person to stop and render aid, call for help.”

The crash investigation is ongoing, Brock said.

Cortez police, Cortez Fire Protection District and Southwest Health System ambulance responded to the incident.

jmimiaga@the-journal.com