A man who tried to dash from a fuel station without paying, hitting a gas bar employee on the way out, may have planned the robbery in advance, according to police.
The suspect reportedly covered both of his licence plates with what looks like pieces of paper towel, Const. Wayne Patterson told CP24.
Meanwhile, the 62-year-old employee remains in critical condition in hospital.
The incident occurred at a Petro-Canada station near Truscott Drive and Southdown Road in Mississauga shortly before 5 p.m.
Police said the driver took off after hitting the man, leaving him lying on the road with life-threatening injuries.
Investigators are now trying to identify and locate the hit-and-run suspect, who was last seen driving north on Southdown Road.
Patterson said he believes the suspect was spotted by several witnesses who would have been on the road at the same time he fled the scene. He also wants to speak with anyone who saw someone pull something off their licence plates.
Police said the vehicle is a gold-coloured four-door sedan, while the suspect is a black man who is 20 to 30 years old.
Investigators are urging the suspect to speak to a lawyer and make arrangements to turn himself in.
Anyone with information is asked to call Peel Regional Police at 905-453-2121 ext. 3710 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
