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Driver in West Palm Beach hit-and-run not at fault for crash, police say

Cameras reveal child darted into traffic
Police at intersection of Okeechobee Boulevard and Rosemary Avenue after hit-and-run crash in West Palm Beach
Posted at 8:38 PM, Dec 18, 2021
and last updated 2021-12-19 10:39:54-05

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — West Palm Beach police said the driver who struck a 4-year-old boy on Okeechobee Boulevard last Sunday does not appear to be at fault for the crash.

Investigators have reviewed footage from several cameras in the area and determined that the child darted away from his family and into the path of the vehicle as it was approaching the intersection under a yellow traffic signal.

"We would still like the driver to come forward," West Palm Beach police spokesman Mike Jachles said. "Our crash investigators are still aggressively working this case. So if you're the driver and are seeing this, don't come forward for us. Come forward for the family."

Police spokesman says driver not at fault in hit-and-run crash

The child is no longer in critical condition, but still requires around-the-clock care.

"There is some progress being made with his condition," Jachles said. "He sustained life-altering injuries and certainly will have a long road to recovery ahead."

skid marks in crosswalk on Okeechobee Boulevard at Rosemary Avenue at scene of hit-and-run crash in West Palm Beach
Skid marks are visible in the crosswalk of Okeechobee Boulevard at Rosemary Avenue, where a child was injured in a hit-and-run crash Dec. 12, 2021, in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla.

The child's parents held a news conference on Wednesday to plead for the driver involved in the crash to identify themselves.

"I am begging you to please come forward and show some mercy towards this little boy and for us, his family, by coming forward," the boy's mother said.

Police said the driver could still face charges for fleeing the scene.