NICE, Calif. – A Lucerne man suffered minor injuries early Friday when he was hit on his moped by a vehicle that fled the scene.

Nicholas Arthur Ferretti, 44, was injured in the crash, which occurred shortly after 2 a.m. Friday on Highway 20 in Nice, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP said Ferretti was riding a 1977 Tomo Sport moped eastbound on Highway 20 west of Lakeshore Boulevard Extension at approximately 35 miles per hour.

Traveling behind him was a 1990 Mercury Topaz whose driver has not been identified, according to the CHP.

For unknown reasons, the Mercury hit the back of the moped, with the force of the impact throwing Ferretti from the moped, the CHP said.

Following the crash, the Mercury stopped then fled the scene, heading westbound on Highway 20, the CHP reported.

The CHP said the Mercury later was found abandoned on Carson Street in Nice. An area search was conducted by the driver was not found.

Ferretti, who was wearing a helmet that was not Department of Transportation-approved, had a complaint of back pain and was transported by Northshore Fire ambulance to Sutter Lakeside Hospital, the CHP said.

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