78yo hit-and-run victim taken off life support, police search for suspect

(WJBK) - The 78-year-old victim of a hit-and-run accident has died after he was taken off life support Saturday.

Southfield police and the family of James Ruby are asking for help solving the crime.

Ruby, a long-time tool salesman from Oak Park known as 'Jimmy the Peddler,' was the victim of a hit-and run-driver the night before Thanksgiving.

Ruby was having car trouble and parked his van at this Mobil at 11 Mile and Greenfield. He called his wife and left a message. When she went to pick him up, she didn't see him but came across some kind of accident.

She learned it was James, who must have tried to cross the street near the White Castle when he was hit.

Relatives say he was still alert when he was transported to Providence Hospital but within hours serious, head injuries and bleeding on his brain had left him on life support.

Family says they've been told Southfield police may be looking for a red Ford Fusion that left the scene of the accident.