BOSTON — An investigation is underway after a young child was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood on Tuesday night.
Officers responding to a report of a child struck by a vehicle in the area of 165 Wood Avenue around 9:30 p.m. found a 4-year-old boy with serious injuries, according to the Boston Police Department.
The victim, whose name hasn’t been released, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
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Police noted that an off-duty Boston firefighter rendered first aid to the child at the scene.
A witness said that the child and his mother were walking across the street when a speeding car approached them, struck the child, and continued without stopping.
Residents said speeding is a big problem on the street. One man even purchased signs that say, “Drive like your kids live here.” There are also posts and other signage along the road aimed at trying and get drivers to slow down.
Rakeem Kelley was parked on the side of street, six feet from where the child was hit. He said when the child was hit, even his car shook. He said the car was traveling so fast, he couldn’t get a good look at it.
No arrests have been made at this time and a description of the vehicle involved was not immediately available.
Officials are asking anyone with video surveillance in the area of Wood Avenue or anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call Boston homicide detectives at 617-343-4470.
“Anyone who saw or heard anything about what happened here tonight, please let us know. We beg of you. We need your help here,” Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.
Boston: Tacoma St, BPD, DAs Office and Mayor Wu give an update to the pedestrian struck: 4 yo old boy hit by car, car fled, child pronounced, BPD asking anyone with information to call #Boston25 #News #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/RIYPhARFe3
— Mark Parkinson (@MParkBoston25) July 19, 2023
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