What initially looked like an accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle has turned into an attempted homicide investigation after it was determined the driver intentionally struck the victim, the Turlock Police Department reported.

The collision was reported to the police department shortly before 11 p.m. Aug. 21 in the 700 block of N. Soderquist Road.

The first officers to arrive at the scene found the male victim in a nearby grassy area. He had sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Mike Parmley.

Witnesses at the scene were able to provide details to the Major Accident Investigation Team, including that it appeared the driver intentionally struck the man, Parmley said.

The vehicle, a red Dodge SUV, was located at the scene. The driver had fled the area on foot. He was described as a Hispanic male in his late 40s and is short in stature.

"Witnesses were able to confirm the victim and suspect were known to each other, however, the motive has not been confirmed," Parmley said.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect can contact the Turlock Police Department tipline at 668-5550 ext. 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.