Yesterday afternoon was supposed to be routine for a 13-year-old Comstock Middle School student. As she walked home and crossed Guerneville Road at Marlow Road, however, her life took an unforeseen and tragic turn. As reported in a Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) press release, the young girl was struck by a hit-and-run driver while traversing the marked crosswalk.
According to the SRPD, the middle schooler was walking south on Marlow Road and entered the crosswalk on Guerneville Road. The traffic lights were red for vehicles traveling east and west, and the pedestrian walk indicator signaled that it was safe for her to cross. A driver behind the wheel of a white 4-door sedan attempted to quickly turn right, hitting the young girl in the process.
Falling to the ground from the impact, the victim was fortunately left with only minor injuries. Following the incident, the driver briefly exited the vehicle to aid the wounded girl to her feet before hastily returning to his car and fleeing the scene. It was thanks to a diligent witness who contacted the SRPD that emergency services were alerted and soon arrived to provide assistance.
The student was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for precautionary measures and doctors believe she will make a full recovery.
In this particular case, the SRPD was able to obtain security footage from a neighboring business. The video captures the hit-and-run suspect, described as a Hispanic male adult in his late 20s or early 30s, with scruffy facial hair, wearing a light pink t-shirt and dark-colored jeans. The SRPD urges anyone having any information related to this case to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
