8-year-old girl dragged in Southeast Fresno hit-and-run crash

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An 8-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital Sunday night after a hit-and-run crash in Southeast Fresno, and now police are searching for the driver.

The child was struck near the intersection of First Street and Ventura Avenue just after 8 p.m. The girl, her mother and sister were crossing the street in the crosswalk, and that's when Fresno police say a green or gray minivan with a rounded body style hit the child.

Officers say the driver dragged the little girl down the street at least 100 feet, slammed on the brakes and then sped off. The 8-year-old was transported to Children's Hospital Central California with serious injuries but is expected to survive.

"Anytime you hit somebody, you need to stop; that's common sense. And this is just someone that doesn't want to take responsibility for their actions," said Fresno Police Sgt. Mike Smith.

Police say a witness followed the minivan but couldn't get a license plate number and eventually lost the driver.

Anyone with information about the driver is urged to contact the Fresno Police Department at (559) 621-7000.