Hit and Run Crash Kills Toddler and Critically Injures Mother

February 9, 2012 - According to reports a three year old toddler was killed in a hit and run and her mother listed in critical condition.

According to the California Highway Patrol the hit and run accident occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. when units responded to the scene of the crash that occurred on Gilbert Street in the vicinity of Salk Elementary School in Anaheim. CHP officer Ray Payton stated the driver of a beige Nissan Maxima was traveling northbound on Gilbert Street when the woman and her child were struck while crossing the road at Guindia Lane inside of a crosswalk.

Officer Gilbert said that the woman and her child were crossing Guindia Lane from the area of the school and heading toward a residential neighborhood, when they were struck. According to the California Highway Patrol the driver of the Nissan fled the scene and the car was found abandoned in the vicinity of Perdido Street and Lullaby Lane, which was several blocks from where the driver struck the mother and toddler.

After the hit and run neighbors, Jesse and Gloria Gonzales said they ran out to help, clothing and stroller parts were strewn about and the 3 year old was not breathing. The driver of another vehicle stopped to assist the injured mother and toddler, according to Gloria Gonzales.

The mother and three year old were transported to UCI Medical Center In Orange in critical condition. The Orange County Coroner’s Office stated that the child died a short time after at the hospital. Neighbor Michael Mark said that the neighborhood had been fighting to have a light installed to make the yellow designated crosswalk safer and have had no success.