OXNARD : Reward Offered in Hit-Run Accident

The father of a 16-year-old Oxnard boy struck by a truck while riding his bicycle home from work last week is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the truck’s driver.

Michael Gialloreto, a junior at Ventura High School, remained in a coma at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard on Wednesday, a hospital spokeswoman said. He suffered multiple head injuries when he was hit by a pickup truck while riding along Harbor Boulevard in Ventura about 11:30 p.m. Friday.

The boy’s father, James Gialloreto of Glendale Heights, Ill., said he is offering the $1,000 reward because someone knows who was driving the truck.

“I sincerely believe that somebody, somewhere knows something,” Gialloreto said. “I think if a man has committed something by accident, or on purpose, he must be dealt with.”

Gialloreto said he has received one call from a woman who thought she spotted the truck in Ventura. California Highway Patrol Officer Paul Thompson said his department has received several calls and is continuing its investigation.

Based on fragments found at the scene, the CHP determined that the truck was a black Toyota pickup, possibly a 4x4, with its right front reflector missing and damage to its right front headlight and bumper.

While the search continues, Michael remains in critical condition.

“He’s somewhat stabilized. They removed half of his skull to get in there for whatever brain damage was done,” Gialloreto said. “He’s a very strong boy, but he is in a comatose state. There’s a little bit of reaction here and there.”

Anyone with information may call Michael’s brother, Jim Gialloreto, at 648-4813, or the CHP at 654-4710.