Police: Driver who hit 5-year-old believed to be impaired

AUBURNDALE (FOX 13) - Authorities said a driver was likely under the influence when she hit a 5-year-old girl in Auburndale on Wednesday.

The crash happened on Adams Street near Caldwell Elementary School, police said. The young girl was riding her bicycle near her mother at the time. 

According to police, a Jeep SUV driven by 35-year-old Regina Shelton hit the victim.

"The driver of the green Jeep swerved to the left, crossed into the southbound lane, struck the child on the bicycle, and actually drove over her, and crashed into a water pipe that feeds a business here," Deputy Chief Andy Ray said.

Investigators said Shelton then put her SUV into reverse in an attempt to leave the scene. A witness took her keys out of the ignition.

A blood sample was taken from Shelton, who police said was believed to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Charges will likely be filed when the blood sample results come back.

Santos was flown to St. Joseph’s Hospital and is in critical condition.