The Antelope Valley Times

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UPDATED: Girl struck by hit-and-run driver

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A 43-year-old driver struck an 11-year-old girl on a bicycle while dropping her child off at Miller Elementary School, in the 43400 Block of 22nd Street West in Lancaster. The woman is now facing criminal charges.

LANCASTER – An 11-year-old girl riding her bicycle to school Wednesday morning (Dec. 5) was knocked to the ground by a driver who left the scene, authorities said.

The incident happened shortly after 8 a.m. in front of Miller Elementary School, said Lancaster Station Community Relations deputy Michael Rust.

“[The girl] was in front of the school when she was hit by a woman who was dropping her child off,” Rust said. “The woman dropped the child off and fled.”

Rust said the girl got up, walked into the school and told staff members, who notified authorities. He said several people witnessed the hit and run.

“They basically described the little boy that she dropped off,” Rust said. “Deputies used school resources to get information on the little boy’s mom, and they did interview the little boy, which ultimately led them to a location in Palmdale where they contacted the driver.”

Rust said the 43-year-old woman is an unlicensed motorist with no insurance. She is now facing criminal charges.

“She could get several citations from being an unlicensed driver to some sort of criminal act for the hit and run,” Rust said. “We are unsure whether it will be a felony or misdemeanor, it will have to be based on the child’s injuries.”

The child, who suffered minor scratches and complained of pain, was airlifted to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to be examined, Rust said.

The woman has not yet been charged pending a report on the child’s condition.

“She is an unlicensed driver with no insurance, but that’s no excuse to leave the scene of something, that just makes it a lot worst,” Rust said. “Had she stayed there it might have been deemed a total accident.”

Updated 12/6/12 @ 2 pm: Driver will face felony hit-and-run charges

Sheriff’s officials said Thursday that the 11-year-old girl was examined at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and was found to have serious injuries.

The 43-year-old driver, who was cited and released on Wednesday, is now facing felony hit-and-run charges because of the child’s condition, said Lancaster Community Relations deputy Michael Rust.

“She was issued a citation with a court date for misdemeanor hit and run, and then this morning (Dec. 6), we found out that the child had some severe injuries,” Rust said.  “So we’re presenting it to the district attorney as a felony hit and run. So when the lady does go to court, she will be facing felony hit and run charges.”

The driver, who remains out of custody, was also cited for driving without a license and driving without insurance, Rust said.

The child is expected to make a full recovery, Rust added.

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

48 comments for "UPDATED: Girl struck by hit-and-run driver"

  1. So heartbreaking there was another car accident yesterday an innocent two year old girl died….and you know what it wasnt even one of those evil illegal aliens like all the comments under every horrific crime you ignorant people post. It was one of our own prize US citizens with a prior record. Stop being so quick to assume….we are all equally capable of committing crimes the bigger problem is that these children were hurt and that is unfortunate

    • HAVE TO AGREE WITH YU! I BLAME THE CITY OF LA FOR ALL THIS “BS” IN OUR COMMUNITIES!! ALL THE LOW HOUSING FUNDING BS THEY SENT OUT HERE CUSS THEY DON’T WANT TO DEAL WITH THAT KIND OF IMAGE OUT THERE! NOW IF YOU COMMIT A CRIME AN LEAVING THE SCENE, YU SHOULD BE PUNISHED!!!!
      I JUST HOPE THIS LITTLE GIRL GETS WELL!!!!

  3. Do we know if this uninsured , unlicensed driver is even a documented citizen?? Has her name been released? Maybe I missed it?

    • Does it really matter whether they were a documented citizen or not? Sounds like you’re saying as long as they’re a document citizen that it’s okay to do what they did but if not it’s not okay. A little racist are we? Just so you know this is a niece of a dear friend.

      • Here’s an example in laymen’s term for ya David:
        Documented = Obeys laws
        Undocumented = NOT obeying law…A CRIMINAL.
        And if they are in fact an Undocumented criminal they will be deported.
        Oh and by the way…saying something true IS NOT racist. Use the race card when it’s really needed…otherwise you’re diluting it’s true original meaning.

        • Yea at best it would be xenophobic not racist. Not that it’s any better. But I would think the implication would be that those who are in compliance with the law would not run, but those who are not would.
          Every race can run so that is not raciest and every race including white can be an illegal alien in the U.S.A. so that’s not racist either. (F-ing Canadians always coming here with their maple syrup, mullets and hockey!)

          • The comment that Documented = Obeys laws and
            Undocumented = NOT obeying the law A CRIMINAL is totally flawed. Most of the headlines lately and AV Most Wanted are “documented”.

          • William, if someone can recognize “flawed” statements, it would be King William. Your writing makes you appear arrogant and flip most of the time.
            Rudeness is a weak man’s imitation of strength.

          • Well, Beervana, criticism from you didn’t hurt one bit. It’s like being criticized by Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann.

            A badge of honor.

            Thank you. Thank you very much.

      • My son was hit on hia way to work in Feb of 2011 by a hit and run driver at 6 in the morning at Lanc. Blvd and Divison.They totaled his truck andhis truck flipped. They found the person who did this because the bumper of his car was stuck in the side of the truck. He admitted to drinking but there was nothing they could do to him for that. He was charged wit felony hit and run and it ended up being his third strike. do not know the outcome yet but life seems ok to me since it will get him off the streets. My son ended up having major surgers and not being able to go back to his job. I home this lady gets a very stiff pently she deserves it is all I can say!

      • Well I think we all know that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck … And does it really matter? Yes it does. What happens when someone thinks they can get away with something?? They keep on trying to get away with something. Hence “Illegals”

      • @David Loya – and @adam….don’t get it twisted! In no way was my questioning her citizenship condoning her actions!! How would that be considered racist or xenophobic?? Simply asking a question! Illegals involved in accidents tend to flee more often simply because they are unlicensed and uninsured!!
        I wish only the best for the the little girl and hope she has a speedy recovery!!!!

    • What’s missing here is that this person is an ‘undocumented’ driver (sans drivers license).

      If all people driving on our roads were required to have driver’s licenses, no matter their ‘country of origin’ or ‘legal’ status – we’d all know what their status is, wouldn’t we?

      duh.

  4. Thank you to all of you who have supported our family through this tough time. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. You know accidents happen… And I would of been angry that my daughter was hit but my baby was left in the middle of the street helpless, her 8 year old brother dragged her to the sidewalk and he is our little hero. But that fact…that she left her there like a piece of garbage that she just ran over truly breaks my heart. Where has humanity gone? The only thing that calms my fire is hearing the support those have given me and my family in this troubled time. THANK YOU …ALL of YOU. Today my daughter came home, she is still in a lot of pain but we are just happy to have my baby home safe. She will need time to heal but her sense of humor is back and she is starting to recover- that’s the important thing. SO again I wanted to send Thank you’s to all of our supporters you are truly angels- The Byers Family

  5. I was just driving up yesterday to drop my son off at school and saw the little girl on the ground with her bike and another kid next to her it was at that very moment that I thought I heard her say that she had been hit by a car and because I didn’t see a car stopped I thought maybe I just heard wrong…. This saddens my soul I pray that this little girl makes a speedy recovery…

    Now….. I have complained several times that there needs to be a crossing guard there my son has nearly been hit twice by inpatient people or either people that just blatantly disregarded the fact that this is a flipping school zone. I have cussed out someone just last week for trying to go around me while I was stopped waiting at the crosswalk for my son to cross…..

    This lady deserves to be in jail, screw a citation she deserves to be locked up!!

    • We have complained to the school as well many times before this incident the school will have to answer to this…we will make sure of that. Its just sad it took MY child to prove a point

      • I have complained in the past to Lancaster Sheriffs that the schools need more traffic enforcement. What I found out is that the city of Lancaster has cut traffic enforcement in half and refuses to outfit the deputies with lasers to catch speeders. Ever since the motorcycle deputies have been reduced accidents have skyrocketed. I will be calling the city manager and mayor. Please join me in calling. Lets get or traffic deputies back and give them proper equipment.

        • There’s always the City Council Meetings. You’ll have 3 minutes to state your case.
          I have made many calls and no one does anything. Not the school and not the station. Even after being transferred to traffic…nothing. Good luck.

  6. As the aunt to this girl. I was very shocked to find out this news. I didn’t know what to do. I was praying it was a dream. I’m very glad that my niece is okay and hoping for a fast recovery. I was very upset at the fact the lady left after she hit her. All her brothers were worried about her and I’m glad was was able to be with them while my sis and brother were with there baby girl. I hope this lady gets what’s coming to her. How would she like it of someone hit her kid and just left them in the street. I’m proud that she is such a fighter and that makes me a proud aunty

  7. This is my beautiful niece. I’m so glad she is doing better. We were all very worried. I’m glad the lady is facing a felony and hope she serves her full sentence. I love u baby girl. Love you aunty

  8. The only type of individuals that do this are the same low life scumbags that fill this community. Rather than help the poor girl and take responsibility for your mistake and let the insurance handle it these non insured ghetto hoods just drive off. Seems to happen a lot and majority of the time when they ever do find them it’s some uninsured scumbag that has a criminal rap sheet a mile long. Hope they find this coward and I hope the girl is ok.

    • Yes, it is terrible that there are people vicious enought to do this. Does it not mean anything that she almost killed someone’s little girl. I am so thankful that we live in a community that will not tolerate this. My heart goes out to the little girl and her family. I hope this irresponsible woman is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I am glad it is being considered a felony charge.

    • I am the mother of the girl that was hit she is still in the hospital and has a pelvic fracture and a poss head injury thank you all for your support and prayers. Btw the woman who hit my daughter initially lied to police saying she hit no one. I’m thank ful to law enforcement for finding this person hopfully justice will be done

      • Praying for you and a speedy recovery for your daughter! This is an awful thing for a parent to face, especially during the holidays. You have my deepest sympathies.

      • I hope my nieces daughter will be okay! I just do not understand how or why someone would leave a scene! I thought that it was against the law to do so. I want to say Thank You to the law officer involved who pursue this case and the medical response teams that help to save her life!

          • Probably some crazy relative of the driver. Some people in this community think they are above the law and have an excuse for everything.

            I hope your niece recovers quickly and I am glad she was not hurt more seriously.

      • may your daughter recover and heal. I was in an accident in Feb (t bone and rolled 3 X on HWY 138) and I still hurt everyday AND I cant work…The idiot who hit me… No Ins and bogus info to
        C H P…. Nice!
        Be patient and thankful she is breathing!
        Happy Holidays

      • Accidents happen and if this lady just stopped to make sure she was ok but driving off…I couldn’t live with myself if I did that. Glad the driver was found and will be held accountable for what happened and very glad the girl will recover. So sad.

  9. I would just like to add as a victim of a hit and run accident. Any person hitting and injuring another person is wrong! What makes matters worse is when the guilty person leaves the scene of the accident!… Why!! Do they think this will just go away, like it never happened. The nerve of this woman. As for the little girl she is going to be traumatized for life! I hope she is alright and hanging in there..Please lets change this crazy kind of driving, and be more cautious.

  10. This woman needs to be held accountable for her actions whether the child’s injuries are serious or not. It has nothing to do with her insurance status or her license status, but the fact that she hit a child and then left as if nothing had happened. She would’ve wanted a person who struck her own child to have stuck around, don’t you think? Her actions show a certain amount of callousness and disregard for human life and safety.

    I am going to quote liberally from this excellent blog post a few years back by Ted Rogers of Biking in LA. You can read the whole thing here:

    http://bikinginla.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/is-an-accident-just-an-accident/

    “Which got me wondering, is there really such a thing as an accident? Or to put it another way, is it possible to have a collision without at least one of the drivers — or yes, cyclists or pedestrians — violating the law in some way?

    I’m not sure it is.

    Invariably, one or more of the people involved is speeding, tailgating, or fails to yield the right-of-way. Or simply isn’t paying enough attention.

    I’ve been wracking my brain — or what’s left of it, anyway — and can only come up with two ways an accident could occur with no one being at fault.

    The first is when someone or something, such as an animal or a child, darts out into the roadway without warning, forcing drivers to react; of course, this requires the inability to understand the consequences of their actions, otherwise they would be at fault. The other is when a mechanical, road or weather condition eliminates the ability to control the vehicle, such as a steering or brake failure, or hitting a patch of glare ice (though the latter seldom happens here in L.A.).

    Of course, it’s not always the vehicles involved that are responsible. Some drivers — like the jackasses who drive city streets at 80 mph, weaving in and out of traffic — cause far more collisions than they seem to have themselves.

    And yes, that goes for some cyclists, as well.

    But we live in a society that has accepted collisions as a natural, and seemingly inevitable, consequence of mobility. We call them accidents, implying that no one is really at fault. We don’t have enough police officers to fully investigate them or effectively enforce the laws. We have an overburdened court system that discourages filing charges in anything but the most egregious cases. And we have an insurance system that ensures that drivers seldom suffer the financial consequences, either.

    And so people die, and it’s no one’s fault. . .

    If a car hits another car, the occupants have over a ton of steel to protect them, along with assorted seat belts, air bags and head restraints. Cyclists and pedestrians, on the other hand, have little or nothing to protect them. And the consequences of someone’s inattention, inability to control their vehicle, or unwillingness to obey the law can be quite different.

    Or as another blogger I’ve been reading lately recently wrote:

    …when a driver screws up and hits a cyclist, the cyclist gets injured or dies, but when a cyclist screws up and hits a car, the cyclist gets injured or dies.

    Update: A man was struck by an out-of-control car today on Lincoln Blvd. in Playa del Rey, apparently while seated on a sidewalk bus bench.

    But hey, it was just an accident.”

  11. “She could get several citations from being an unlicensed driver to some sort of criminal act for the hit and run”. That’s like saying illegals might be committing some sort of criminal act. WTH?! Why even have laws if they aren’t enforced? Sheesh

    • No doubt an illegal, dropping off her “ticket to be in the USA”. What part of “illegal immigrants” isn’t understood ? These people (illegals) are allowed to stay in our Country, crowd our schools, etc., and they STILL are driving illegally !!! It would blow your mind to know how many unlicensed and uninsured motorists are on our highways !!! Spend a day in traffic court, and observe how many illegals get cited for various things, (speeding, red light violation, etc. etc.)l and they have no Insurance and no license……..and no way to pay their fines….and they get a slap on the wrist, and a payment plan for their fines !!!!!! Shouldn’t they be arrested on the spot ?? Oh yeah, we can’t do that…”they have rights” !! It will never end folks, until all the so-called laws regarding illegals are enforced !!!

      • Ignorant comment…..it doesn’t say she is illegal.she is obviously an idiot but you prove we have plenty of legal idiots

      • I know there are many legal American citizens driving around Antelope Valley with no CDL and no insurance dropping off their meal tickets as well. How do I know this because they have hit my vehicle before. Stop being so judgmental and racist.

  12. I bet she is sec 8 no job and boy friend /Daddy is in jail ,if the driver got ran over it would be no loss