4-Year-Old Hit-Run Victim Returns Home After Hospital Stay
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A four-year-old Philadelphia boy who was struck by a hit and run driver is back at home after spending several days in the hospital.
The driver who hit him, however, is still on the run.
Four-year-old Carl Russ was taken to the hospital with what appeared to be a broken nose and jaw along with a possible concussion. Fortunately, when Carl got to the hospital on Friday, his injuries turned out to be less severe. But because of the swelling, he remained hospitalized until Monday afternoon. (see related story)
"It could have been way worse, he doesn't know if he left him dead," Bernell Lewis said.
Lewis, Carl's mother, is referring to the driver police believe was caught in several surveillance videos. Eyewitnesses told police the driver hit Carl, stopped for a few seconds and then sped way.
Lewis said, "I cry every moment I get, but I try not to cry around him to stay strong."
Lewis explained the accident happened Friday morning when Carl and his two siblings had just walked out of their home with their father. Lewis says they were ready to leave for school when Carl broke free.
"He said he was playing around and the car hit him," Lewis said.
Carl landed underneath a parked car. Lewis says her children knew better. Her neighbors say on a block filled with children, what happened to Carl was a painful reminder of how accidents can happen so quickly.
As for the driver involved, Carl's mother has just one message.
"My son will never be the same, ever. If you're watching this video, if you know anything, contact police please," Lewis said.
Police described the car as a silver Lincoln Town Car, about a 2004 model, tinted rear and passenger windows only, possibly marked as a limousine/car service vehicle, first two letters of the tag possibly "LM", with a tinted sunroof.
The Accident Investigation Unit is asking that anyone with information call the unit at 215-685-3180 or submit an anonymous tip online at: www.phillypolice.com
Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
