KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is looking for the driver of a mini-van after a hit-and-run involving two children Tuesday evening.
Police say they responded to the call just before 6:15 p.m. A father, his two children and their dog were walking near the area of Egelston Avenue and Race Street when they were struck by a vehicle. The vehicle left the scene after the collision.
The 5-year-old was in critical condition but has since been upgraded to stable condition. The 3-year-old is also stable. The father was hit but wasn’t hurt.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Captain Victor Ledbetter says the incident is still under investigation, but it’s his understanding that the suspected driver accelerated through the intersection before the crash. Witnesses say that the vehicle was brown in color.
“If you hit an animal like a small squirrel, you know the sound that makes. So to hit somebody the size of a kid; you can’t tell me that you didn’t realize you didn’t strike someone,” Capt. Ledbetter said. “So based on that there’s more to the story and I need to find that out before I start making speculations.”
The suspect’s vehicle was described to police as an older style mini-van that’s darker in color, possibly brown. It was last seen heading east on Egleston.
“If anyone has anything that they think can be pertinent to this case, we ask them to call us or call Silent Observer,” Capt. Ledbetter said. “It’s a horrible incident.”
Police are looking for tips that may lead to the discovery of this vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call KDPS at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.
A friend of the family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses. If you would like to help out click here.
