Center City hit-and-run leaves mother dead, daughter injured; driver arrested
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The mother critically injured in a hit-and-run crash died Wednesday afternoon. She was walking with her three daughters when she was hit by a Jeep in Center City Tuesday night.
Her 8-year-old daughter, who was also hit, suffered internal injuries and was taken to CHOP. The other 2 children were not injured.
Detectives found and arrested the wanted driver.
Police say a person of interest is now in custody and the Jeep was recovered hours after a violent hit-and-run crash. It happened in the heart of Center City near Broad and Arch Streets. An area with many surveillance cameras.
Witnesses told police her quick actions may have helped save her kids' lives.
"You never know what can happen or what's going on with these drivers out in the street and especially at night," Najia Wright said.
Police say a dark gray Jeep plowed into the 38-year-old mother as she was crossing the street with her three daughters around 10 p.m. and the driver kept going.
The mom was thrown 20 feet. She suffered multiple fractures, severe head trauma and was rushed to Jefferson Hospital.
"There's at least six pieces of footwear some slides and sneakers that are on the scene and we believe they belong to the mother and two of the children," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
Police say it began when officers saw the Jeep going in the wrong direction on JFK Boulevard and started following it. Then, they say the Jeep was seen speeding west on Arch Street.
Surveillance video obtained by CBS News Philadelphia shows officers responding moments after the crash.
"It's dangerous because if it's a green light you have to be careful because you don't know if the car is actually going to stop," Jamillah Copes said.
Parents say they've experienced close calls while crossing into the city with their children.
According to witnesses, the mom was seen trying to push her kids out of the way to save them.
"Definitely sounds like a mom, trying to save her kids, her life," Wright said. "But her kids' lives are more important."
Investigators were able to recover video from crime cameras at the intersection and nearby businesses say they also gave police surveillance video.
Police say charges are pending.
