Los Angeles police were searching for a hit-and-run driver who struck a 10-year-old boy as he was crossing the street, leaving him critically injured, authorities said Wednesday.
The victim and his 11-year-old friend were walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of North Main and Sichel streets in Lincoln Heights (map) at approximately 5:35 p.m. Tuesday when a dark-colored vehicle traveling southbound hit the boy, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Surveillance video showed the driver swerving to avoid striking the child, then fleeing down Main Street after hitting him, police said.
The impact of the collision caused the child to be thrown roughly 40 feet from the crosswalk.
“He left someone lying in the street hurt,” said LAPD Detective Felix Padilla. “To leave somebody like that, especially a 10-year-old boy, is criminal.”
The 10-year-old suffered head trauma, a pelvic fracture and internal bleeding. He was rushed to County/USC Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.
The 11-year-old whom the victim was walking with was not injured.
The collision occurred just hours after Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, proposed a “yellow alert” system that would display descriptions and license plate numbers of vehicles involved in hit-and-runs on freeway signs.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or had information about the hit-and-run was urged to call LAPD Central Traffic Division detectives at 213-833-3713 or Detective Felix Padilla at 213-486-0753. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-527-3247.
Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous were asked to contact Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-800-222-8477.
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