Wanted: Hit-and-run driver who left pedestrian badly hurt on Turnpike

The man critically injured in a hit-and-run on the New Jersey Turnpike has just recently become coherent, and given police new information that may help catch the person responsible, authorities said.

According to New Jersey State Police, the incident happened on Feb. 7, at about 5 a.m. The crash — in which pedestrian Alberto Mendez, 25, of New York City was struck — occurred at milepost 121 northbound of the New Jersey Turnpike, authorities say.

Police are looking for a Filipino couple. The driver was described as a female with shoulder-length brunette hair and a tattoo on her neck of "Script letters with a bird either holding or above the letters." The female has a possible name of Sarah or Sue, police said. She has an average build and is in her early 30s, according to police.

The passenger is described as a male in his mid 30s.

According to State Police, they're looking for a white 2002-2003 Nissan Maxima with tinted rear tail lights and New Jersey tags. The vehicle should have sustained front end damage to the hood and roof, police said.

The two fled the scene toward the Fletcher Avenue area in Fort Lee and Englewood, in northern Bergen County, police said.

They're asking anyone with information to contact Detective Kazan at 973-344-1099 ext. 1432 or Detective Brozek at 973-344-1099 ext 1437.