Hillsborough County deputies searching for hit-and-run driver that struck child waiting for school bus

HCSO searching for driver who hit 9-year-old

Deputies are asking for help locating a driver who struck a child waiting for the school bus Thursday morning in Wimauma.

WIMAUMA, Fla. - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is searching for the driver who hit a nine-year-old boy at a school bus stop and then fled the scene.

It happened on Thursday morning on the 2400 block of West Lake Drive in Wimauma.

According to HCSO, the child’s mother called 911 around 7 a.m. to say her son had been hit by an unknown vehicle while waiting for the school bus. Deputies say she drove her son to an area hospital to be treated for head injuries. 

Deputies found surveillance video that captured the boy walking along the roadway, toward the bus stop, just before 6:00 a.m. The child was hit shortly after walking out of the frame.

The video also shows a dark-colored sedan traveling northbound on West Lake Drive seconds before the incident took place and, at this time, is considered a vehicle of interest, according to HCSO.

Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

"We are urging anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who may recognize the vehicle in question, to please come forward," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "No tip is too small and may help our detectives identify the driver at fault. While we investigate this crash, we want to remind drivers to remain alert, at all times, of their surroundings. With school back in session, children are walking to school or bus stops, and it is imperative that drivers remain focused on the pedestrians around them."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.

UPDATES: Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app