Driver sought in Southeast Fresno hit-and-run crash that left boy dead

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Police are trying to track down the driver who hit an 8-year-old boy and drove away in Southeast Fresno.

Fresno police say Jovany Membreno had just left the Sunlite Market Sunday night with his family. His mother and younger brother first walked across the street. He and his mother's boyfriend made it halfway across then had to stop, when police say Jovany ran into the street.

"The driver probably was not at fault in this; the child did dart out into traffic but he chose not to stop, or she chose not to stop and fled the scene, so now it makes it a felony," said Fresno Police Capt. Andy Hall.

Witnesses said his mother and several others who saw what happened were screaming and begging anyone nearby to call 911.

Neighborhoods filled with children surround the area of Kings Canyon between Whitney and Sierra Vista. Jaywalking is common. Ace Liquor store owner Lucky Singh watches people cross illegally all day.

"We're in the middle, so people don't want to go across the street to Chestnut or Maple just to cross the street. And it is cold sometimes around here right now," said Singh.

Police say everyone from those who watched the awful accident, to those who helped try to save the boy, have been impacted by the sad circumstances.

"This is a horrible time for this to happen. It affects all of us: those officers out there who performed CPR, my officers that are investigating it, and everybody in the office. This is a tragedy," said Hall.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance video in the area. So far, they are looking for a dark-colored four-door car, possibly a Nissan with some front-end damage.

Jovany's family says he liked to play outside with his friends and was always ready for a game of football. He also loved eating pizza. On Monday, instead of preparing for Christmas, his mother planned his funeral.