An 8-year-old child was seriously hurt Saturday evening after being struck in a hit-and-run in south Charlotte, according to police. The crash happened in the 2900 block of Smithfield Church Road, just outside Quail Hollow Middle School. Paramedics rushed the child to Atrium Health Main with serious injuries, including possible broken bones. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have opened an investigation and have not said whether the child was alone when the crash happened.
Emergency crews swarm the scene
The region's EMS provider, MEDIC, said crews were dispatched to the 2900 block of Smithfield Church Road around 5:30 p.m. They found one patient with serious injuries, who was taken to a nearby hospital, according to WSOC.
Police: hit-and-run with injury
As reported by WCNC, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said officers responded to a hit-and-run with injury in that block on May 9 and confirmed the child was hospitalized with serious injuries. Investigators have not released any information about a possible suspect or whether anyone at the scene stopped to help before first responders arrived.
Where it happened
The collision took place right by Quail Hollow Middle School. The school lists its address as 2901 Smithfield Church Road on its official site, according to Quail Hollow Middle School.
Possible legal consequences
Under North Carolina law, any driver involved in a crash that causes injury is required to stop, provide information, and render aid. Leaving the scene of a wreck that results in injury can be charged as a felony, as outlined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166. Penalties can vary depending on how severe the injuries are and other circumstances detailed in the statute.
Police are still investigating the hit-and-run. This story will be updated as officials release more information.
