The man, who Robert Novak struck with his car, says he believes Novak may be telling the truth about what happened.

The victim, an elderly, hard of hearing homeless man was surprised to find out who was behind the wheel of the black corvette that sent him smashing to the pavement. When asked about syndicated columnist Robert Novak, victim Don Liljenquist said, "Of course I know who he is. I've known him for years." 

The conservative commentator and columnist kept driving after the crash. In an exclusive interview with ABC 7 News, Novak, 77, said didn't know he had hit someone until a bicyclist stopped him a block away. 

When asked if thought Novak might not have known he hit him, Liljenquist said, "It's possible if he was looking elsewhere or down the street at traffic or if he was on the phone."
Additional witnesses came forward Thursday, telling ABC 7 News they simply didn't believe Novak's story.

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"I do not believe Novak did not see or hear or feel the impact," Gary Cohen, an eyewitness, said. "I don't know how anyone could."

The investigating officer apparently believe Novak's version. Novak was issued a $50 fine for failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian.

"The first thing I saw besides the man on the ground was someone jumping in front of Novak's car and hitting on it and saying 'Stop! What are you doing?'" recalled Cohen. "And Novak almost ran him over and just kept going."

The bicyclist, attorney David Bono, also disputes Novak's account:

"There was a pedestrian splayed on his windshield -- I don't think there is any way you can miss that." Bono also said that the pedestrian was in a crosswalk and had the right of way.

All of the witnesses contacted by ABC 7 News say they have not been interviewed by police. Many also said the officer did not seem eager to talk to them.

Liljenquist, 86,  remains hospitalized. When asked how he is faring, Liljenquist said, " I'm doing okay, but I still have some residual pain." He then pointed to a dislocated shoulder.

Fellow residents at the men's shelter where he lives expressed concern about his health. "I believe that the guy that hit him should go to the hospital and apologize to him and give him his thoughts," said Roderick Goins.

Novak on Wednesday said he felt "terrible" about striking Lilkenquist, and he was shaken up by the incident.

D.C. police Chief Cathy Lanier (web|news|bio) said the case remains under investigation. She encouraged witnesses to contact police with their accounts.

A nurse said Liljenquist still isn't quite stable after surgery. It's not clear when he will be discharged and returned to the homeless shelter where he resides.