MODESTO, Calif. — A 4-year-old boy was hurt after being hit by a car while waiting for an ice cream truck in Modesto Saturday night, officials with the California Highway Patrol's Modesto office said.
According to the CHP, a white Dodge Nitro SUV driving at high speeds hit a 4-year-old boy who was standing next to his father waiting to cross a crosswalk at Donald Street just east of Hancock Street around 9:40 p.m. Saturday.
CHP officials say the 4-year-old was waiting for an ice cream truck near the crosswalk at the time of the crash.
The 4-year-old was taken to UC Davis Medical Center following the crash suffering serious injuries, police say. Authorities did not have an update on the boy's condition Sunday.
"It didn’t have to happen"
Neighbors said they constantly worry about their children, pets and community members as speeders race through the area of Donald and Hancock streets.
Liz Zamora described just one of the several drivers ABC10 crews witnessed speeding through her neighborhood Sunday as a "common occurrence."
“It’s scary and it’s sad and it didn’t have to happen,” she said.
Ranbi Singh, an area ice cream truck driver who was not present last night, said some drivers ignore his signs to stop as he makes his rounds. He said it once led to a child being struck in front of his eyes.
“I have behind the signs, stop for children. In the front, stop for children. But some people did, some people don’t,” Singh said.
Neighbors with children in the area are angry the driver didn’t stop.
“That’s ridiculous," said Alejandro Saldate, a neighbor. "You know, own up to it if you cause an accident, especially like that cause from what I heard, they even dragged the poor kid underneath the car - I mean, come on.”
While there's anger for the situation, the neighborhood is also offering their prayers for both healing and justice.
“We feel for the family. We’re just praying for the family and the child that they’ll be OK,” Zamora said.
Family and friends of the victim told ABC10 that the boy is doing better, but is still in serious condition. In a photo shown to ABC10, the four-year-old was awake and alert in a hospital bed. Family members and police are asking for help to find the person involved.
Those who have information on the hit and run crash or who recognize the car involved are asked to call the Modesto CHP office at 209-545-7440.
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