Merced police seek hit-and-run driver in crash that killed 3-year-old boy

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities in Merced are asking for the public's help in finding the driver who they say took off after hitting and killing a 3-year-old boy Monday evening.

The hit-and-run crash took place in the parking lot of a McDonald's restaurant near 13th and R streets around 5:30 p.m.

Merced police are calling this a tragic accident because they say the boy darted into the parking lot. Officers are trying to get in touch with any witnesses who saw the driver hit him and leave the scene.

Police say the child's father was helping the little boy get out of the car when the child got away from his dad and ran into the parking lot. The father described hearing a loud screech before he realized someone hit his son and then drove away.

Detectives say the vehicle is an older model white Ford standard cab F-150 pickup truck and may have had some equipment in the bed of the truck.

Investigators say if the driver didn't leave the scene, chances are the person wouldn't be wanted right now.

"It's a tragedy and it's unfortunate the person ran, but it's a felony, it's a pretty serious crime because they ran, so it's really important we identify who that was and get their side of the story," said Sgt. Alan Ward of the Merced Police Department.

Police say the father of the child took the little boy to Mercy Medical Center immediately after he was hit. The 3-year-old died at the hospital.

The pickup truck was last seen driving northbound on 13th Street.

Police are reaching out to nearby business owners to try and get any surveillance video which may have captured the driver on tape.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Merced Police Department at (209) 385-4725.