Authorities said that a WJAC-TV viewer watched a live report about the hit-and-run and called Decatur Township police with a tip Wednesday.
Police said during the investigation, the man confessed to hitting a 29-year-old man who was walking home alongside Decatur Street around 8 p.m. Tuesday night.
Investigators said the victim is recovering from leg surgery and was last listed in fair condition at the Altoona Regional Health System.
Stay with WJAC-TV 6News, WJACTV.com and WJAC Mobile for the latest on this developing story.