8-year-old boy killed in hit and run, DPD looks for SUV driver

DETROIT (WJBK) - An 8-year-old boy was fatally struck in a hit-and-run in southwest Detroit Thursday. Police are still looking for the driver who got away.

Police say the boy wandered from home trying to get to the local park. He never made it.

"Very tragic," said Detroit Police Capt. Michael McGinnis.

Take a good look at the SUV police say struck and killed the boy at about 5 p.m. The boy was walking across Fort Street near Miami, trying to get to the park, wagon in hand.

"The light was green for travel but there were some cars stopped, allowing the child to cross the street," McGinnis said. "When the driver of what's described as a dark bluish green late '90s Chevrolet Tahoe struck the child."

McGinnis from the Detroit Police Department's homicide division says the man behind the wheel of the SUV never stopped. He continued northbound on Fort Street.

People who live in the area say the roadway is dangerous.

"Since the freeway is closed down, they drive like maniacs down Fort Street," said Pastor Darrell Randolph. "On both sides."

Police say the SUV now has some damage to the light assembly. They are pleading with anyone who may have seen the vehicle to speak up and they want the driver to come clean. 

"They know who there are and if they turn themselves in we want to talk to them," McGinnis. "There was a green light, so that makes the situation a little different."

If you recognize the teal green Chevy Tahoe, please call Detroit police at 313-596-5400.