DOWAGIAC — Police are searching for a suspect in a hit-and-run accident Tuesday.

A 20-year-old Dowagiac man, Austin Narovich, was hospitalized Tuesday night after he was struck by a vehicle while walking along the 56000 block of M-51 South near Lyle Street, according to Steven Grinnewald, the Dowagiac Public Safety Director.

Police responded to the call at 10:35 p.m. Witnesses reported to police that there were four subjects walking south along the edge of M-51 facing oncoming traffic. As they were walking, an unknown vehicle struck Narovich. The other three individuals were not injured. A passerby also stopped to assist Narovich.

The suspect’s vehicle was described as a dark-colored, mid-sized sedan. At the time of the accident, the vehicle continued north, failing to stop at the scene. The driver of that vehicle is unknown at this time, though Grinnewald said the police are still investigating.

“There were some pieces of the car left behind at the scene, so we are trying to determine if we can find out what kind of car it is from that,” Grinnewald said. “We are following up with that and checking to see if there was any video in the area that captured the scene.”

Narovich was transported to Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac by Pride Care EMS. At this time, his injuries are believed to be non-life threatening, however, the extent of the injuries are unknown, police said.

Officers were assisted at the scene by the Dowagiac Fire Department and the Pokagon Tribal Police.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Dowagiac Police Department at (269) 782-9743 or the Cass County tip line at (800) 462-9328.