Plano hit-and-run driver admits involvement and expresses regret, police say
PLANO – The driver of an SUV captured in a video hitting a young girl who was crossing the street and then driving away has been located, admitted involvement, and expressed regret for not staying at the scene, according to Plano police.
"She expressed deep regret for not remaining at the scene to ensure the child's safety," the department said in a news release.
Her name hasn't been released and no charges have been announced.
Plano police say they are "working closely" with the Collin County District Attorney's Office as the investigation continues.
The hit-and-run accident occurred around 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Westridge Drive and Wilson Drive. Police said crucial information identifying the driver was gathered through crowdsourcing videos.
In the home surveillance video, a young girl is seen crossing the street when a car hits her. The driver stops momentarily but then drives off.
Parents and families in Plano expressed concern after the video of the accident was posted on social media.
"It was horrific and she was just screaming," Sherry Barker told CBS News Texas shortly after the accident.
Barker lives down the street from where the incident happened.
"The little girl was almost across the street, she was just about to step onto the curb when she got hit," Barker said.
Barker, who has two grandchildren who often walk through the neighborhood on their way to and from school, expressed her shock and concern.
"It's really just a horrible feeling of what happened. Not only did she pull off, back up to pull off, but she sped off," Barker said, referring to the driver.
The neighbor who caught the hit-and-run on camera said she heard the girl screaming but noted that the girl managed to walk away and continue to school.
The girl's older brother said his sister has some scrapes and bruises. She was mostly just shaken up, he said, adding his sister refused to go to the hospital, but the family filed a police report.
Neighbors said they hope the incident serves as a reminder to drivers to go slow and always watch for pedestrians and children, especially during school hours.