VENTNOR, N.J. --
Slideshow: Postal Carrier Injured In Accident | Video: Postal Carrier Loses Leg

Police said a mail carrier lost one of her legs Monday when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Ventnor.

The driver was identified by police as Allan Miller, 30, of Schenectady, N.Y. Miller has been charged with assault by auto and driving under the influence.

"Five of 12 we heard a bang and we ran," said Pietrina Tabasso, a witness.

Tabasso said the mail carrier had delivered her mail a few minutes earlier.

"When I seen two legs going that way, I said, 'Oh my God.' I just started crying," Tabasso said.

Police said that just before noon, the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta crashed into the postal service worker while she was unloading mail from her van at Harvard and Ventnor avenues.

"He swerved, just kind of swerved right into her. Just hit her. I don't think she saw him coming. I heard a loud bang. I was coming around the corner, and I seen a gentleman get out of the car, and he looked at (the mail carrier), and then he ran," said Efraim Dua, a witness.

Police said the driver of the car fled on foot but was caught a short time later a few blocks away.

Authorities said at least one of the letter carrier's legs was severed. Rescuers rushed her to a nearby trauma center in Atlantic City.

"It was a shame. It was a tragedy," Dua said.