PHOENIX — Phoenix police are searching for a driver who reportedly ran a red light and hit an 11-year-old girl with his car.
The crash happened at the intersection of Desert Foothills Parkway and Chandler Boulevard around 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3.
Sixth grader Leia Garza told 12News it's a weekly tradition for students at Kyrene Altadeña Middle School to walk to McDonald's after school is released for the day.
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"It's usually just safe and having fun," Garza said.
It was anything but safe and fun for Garza last Wednesday.
“This is probably like the first time at a walk down there's been somebody getting hit from crossing the road," Garza said.
She said she was only a few footsteps into the crosswalk when a car came barreling toward her.
“I just see this guy coming really, really fast and I knew I was going to get hit one way or another," Garza stated.
Garza was in the crosswalk while the walk signal was on. A witness said the car ran a red light and hit her with the hood of his car.
"It was horrible," Veronica Hanson said. “Her shoe literally went flying and I could see the road rash already starting.”
Hanson got out to help Garza, but the driver who hit her didn't.
"After he screamed at her, he just took off like he was annoyed that she was in the way of him hitting her with his car," Hanson said.
Garza's mom, Marissa Garza, said she is thankful her daughter's injuries were not worse.
“I feel lucky because my daughter is okay," Garza said.
However, she's looking for any information that helps hold the driver accountable.
“It hurts my heart," Garza said. "It broke my heart because it’s my child. How can do that to a kid?"
Phoenix police said they do not have any details about the type of car involved yet. Witnesses describe the car as a dark, four-door sedan with out-of-state license plates.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness to remain anonymous.
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Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.
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The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.