BLOOMINGTON - A Bloomington man was in critical condition Sunday after a hit-and-run accident early Saturday on Mount Vernon Drive near East Empire Street.

Norman Wilson, 43, was walking home from Ride The Nine, a nearby billiards club, around 2:15 a.m. when a car struck him and fled, a Bloomington police report said. He was taken to OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, but Sunday morning was transferred to OSFSaint Francis in Peoria, where he underwent surgery.

Wilson suffered multiple fractures, including damage to his cervical vertebrae and pelvis, which may result in some permanent paralysis in his legs and some loss of use in his arms, according to police and his mother, Geraldine Wilson.

Police said they do not have a description of the vehicle and are asking for the public's help in finding it or the driver. The public is asked to call (309) 820-8888 if they have any information.

Norman Wilson works at the Kids Club East, Bloomington, as a teacher's aide and is "adored" by the children and co-workers, his mother said.

"The children will be devastated when they learn of this. But I have a strong faith and trust in God. That is what is helping me get through this.

"What kind of person would hit somebody and just leave them there?" said Geraldine Wilson. "There could be many reasons why you would want to run, if you were drunk and didn't want police involved. But whatever the reason, you just don't leave someone. If you would see him right now, your heart would go out."