3-Week-Old Baby In Critical Condition After Crash
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A 3-week-old baby is in critical condition following a hit-and-run crash in Miami.
On Saturday – at around 1 a.m. – a Ford Econoline cargo van struck a Nissan at the intersection of SW 17th Avenue and 7th Street after it ran a red light.
"There were three passengers inside the Nissan; the mother, father and a 22-day-old baby," said Miami police spokeswoman Yelitza Cedano.
Cedano told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "We are looking for a white ford eco line van, a 2004 to 2007 model with extensive front end damage." Cedano released a photo of the type of van police are looking for.
The infant, who was ejected from the car on impact, was rushed to the Ryder Trauma Center. After the crash, the driver of the van ran away.
"We are asking that is this person is watching the news that he or she come forward," said Cedano. "We want to get your side of the story. His parents are distraught. We just can't believe that this person did not stop without rendering aid to this baby."
Cedano said it was not clear how the baby was ejected. She said police detectives needed to speak with the child's mother. It is not known if the child was loose in a back seat or strapped in to a child's protective seat as required by law.
She also had stern words for the hit-and-run driver.
"There are repercussions for any person like this who does not come forward. That person will face criminal charges and we are asking that anyone in the community who knows something to come forward as well," she said. "I'm sure you have kids. And if you do, please feel for these parents. These parents want their baby to get better. They are in distress. They're distraught and we want you to come forward."
Anyone with information on the crash is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.