The public is being asked to help identify a hit-and-run motorist who put a young Arbor Heights woman in the hospital Feb. 16.

Emily Lovelett, 23, was crossing 35th Avenue at Southwest 100th Street at about 8:15 p.m. that Friday night. She'd just gotten off a Metro bus after a downtown date with her boyfriend, said her mother, Deb Lovelett.

A witness told investigators Emily was struck by a car as she walked westbound across 35th Avenue, said Detective James Danielson of the Seattle Police Department.

The hit-and-run vehicle was described as a dark-colored, late-model compact, perhaps a Honda or Toyota.

Lovelett was seriously injured and was still in Harborview Medical Center a week after the accident. According to her mother, Lovelett suffered swelling on the brain and has had difficulty with her memory. She had surgery to repair ligament damage to her right knee. She also suffered a fractured pelvic bone, a fractured backbone, a severe gash on her left foot and numerous abrasions.

Anyone who might have information about this incident is urged to call the Seattle Police Department at 233-0059.