KILLEEN, TX — The Killeen Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run that left a 12-year-old who was trying to cross the street injured.
Around 3:38 p.m. on January 26, officers responded to a 911 in reference to a crash involving a single vehicle and a pedestrian. The incident happened at the intersection of Chantz Drive and Aspen Drive.
The preliminary investigation revealed the child was walking in the crosswalk on Aspen Drive when a black Dodge Challenger traveling westbound on Aspen approached the intersection and failed to yield the right of way, striking him.
The vehicle fled the scene and failed to provide information.
Austin Terry, who skateboards throughout the neighborhood says he always sticks to the sidewalks when he can. He says he's seen many close calls before.
"They could be on their phone and in a second you can get hit. On my street, I’ve seen it happen because people aren’t watching where they’re going," said Terry.
The Chantz and Aspen intersection is a four-way stop, but residents in the area say it's very rare that people will come to a complete stop when driving through.
Sgt. Richard Bradley with the KPD Traffic Unit says hit-and-runs are very common for Killeen, adding they see at least 10 a week involving road signs, buildings, and sometimes pedestrians. Sgt. Bradley says if you ever are involved in a crash like this, running just makes it worse.
"Leaving the scene and failing to provide information to the other driver or property owner or the person that was struck increases the criminal offense," he explained.
Sgt. Bradley says thanks to witness testimony, they have a pretty clear idea of what exact vehicle they are looking for, a black Dodge Challenger with out-of-state licenses plates. He encourages anyone who think the see the vehicle in question to reach out to the department.
"Based on the witness information that we got, it had some particulars ofc the vehicle that we got, and so should someone call in, we will be able to link them to that crash," said Sgt. Bradley.
As for Terry, he just hopes whoever did this comes forward. He urges all pedestrians and fellow skaters to be a careful as they can.
"People are not watching where they’re going. Be safe, stay on the sidewalks, I can’t stress it anymore," he said.
Anyone with information on the January 26 crash is asked to contact Killeen PD at (254) 501-8830.
