WALLINGFORD, CT — The community is rallying around an 11-year-old girl who was seriously injured when she was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle Monday in Wallingford.
The victim was found unconscious when police arrived, and the driver left the scene after the crash.
Wallingford police announced on Wednesday that they have identified the driver, and the investigation is ongoing. An arrest warrant application for the driver is anticipated, according to Police Chief John Ventura.
The victim has been identified by family through a GoFundMe campaign as Jaslynn "Jazzy" Ednaliz Montanez.
The GoFundMe campaign in support of Jazzy and her family was launched by Jay Richardson, co-owner, Abrasive Finishing Industries, LLC.
"Jazzy is being hospitalized in intensive care," Richardson wrote in a post on the GoFundMe page. "Although she has been making some small improvements, she and her family still have a difficult road ahead.
"As a father and grandfather, this absolutely breaks my heart. I cannot imagine what her parents are going through. After speaking personally with Jazzy's father, Juan Montanez, and receiving his permission, we are establishing this GoFundMe to help cover Jazzy's medical expenses, rehabilitation, and the financial hardships her family may face during her recovery."
More than $14,000 was raised within the first 14 hours of the campaign, as of late Wednesday night.
For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.
See also:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Wallingford Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.