WOODLAND, Calif. — A 2-year-old girl died after being hit by a truck Saturday afternoon, according to the Woodland Police Department.
Police say she was hit around 3:46 p.m. in a gas station parking lot on W Court and West streets in Woodland. She was taken to the hospital by family but was later pronounced dead.
Hours later, the family returned to the area with photos of their daughter, toys and candles to remember her.
Sandro Sanchez says he and his family were selling tacos in the area. When he and his two sons went to buy some drinks from a nearby store, a truck started rolling toward his 2-year-old daughter Ilahni.
"I heard screaming from my mom, my girlfriend, my dad and everybody," he said. "(My girlfriend) saw the truck coming and ran to get my daughter but it was too late."
Sanchez says the truck was parked but left before it started rolling. When he heard the shouts, he climbed in and put on the brakes. When he was in the car, he saw a child.
Police say they found a black Dodge truck with a 3-year-old inside it at the scene. They found a man "associated with the truck" and began investigating.
Police have not released any additional information, but Sanchez says the man was allowed to leave.
"It's not fair for the cops to let him go," he said. "I lost my daughter."
Police say this was not a hit and run, DUI was not a factor and "all involved parties were cooperative and provided statements."
Police are asking anyone with information about this to call them at 530-661-7800. No other information is available at this time.
