Toddler Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash In West Phoenix; Driver Arrested, Police Say

PHOENIX, AZ — A toddler died Sunday night after being struck by a vehicle in west Phoenix, and the driver was later arrested after fleeing the scene, according to police.

Phoenix police responded around 8:49 p.m. June 7 to the area of 31st Avenue and Buckeye Road, where officers found a young boy who had been hit by a vehicle and was in critical condition.

He was taken by Phoenix Fire Department crews to a nearby hospital, where he later died. His exact age has not been released.

"Preliminary information indicates the toddler was not under direct supervision and wandered out into the driveway when he was struck by the vehicle," said Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez.

The driver, identified as 35-year-old Carlos Rojas Mora, briefly stopped after the collision before getting into another vehicle and leaving the area, according to investigators.

Vehicular Crimes detectives and Street Crime detectives worked together to quickly identify and locate Mora, who was taken into custody without incident.

He was booked into jail on felony charges stemming from the investigation.

The Department of Child Safety was notified and responded to the scene.

The investigation remains active. No additional details have been released by authorities.