Hit-Run Driver Kills Toddler in Front of Family’s Home
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A 20-month-old boy who wandered into an El Sereno street was struck and killed by a van whose driver fled, police said Tuesday.
The boy’s father, Philip Wang, 37, was installing seat covers in the family car, which was parked outside their apartment in the 5100 block of Borland Road, when the toddler, Matthew, walked into the street, Officer Michael Mattox said. Wang heard the screech of brakes and a neighbor screamed “Your son!” the officer said.
The van, which had slowed to about 5 m.p.h. before hitting the boy, then ran over him, crushing his chest, as the driver sped away.
“The child would have been alive if the driver hadn’t fled,” Mattox said.
Police described the van as a white or light tan 1970 to 1972 Ford Econoline with dark horizontal pin striping.
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