Mercedes Hits Essex County Boy, 3, Then Speeds Away: Police

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Authorities are searching for the driver of a Mercedes Benz that allegedly hit a three-year-old child in Essex County on Sunday and sped away from the scene, police say.

The boy was struck near the intersection of Ridgewood and Avon avenues in Newark at approximately 5:22 p.m. as he followed a relative across Ridgewood Avenue, the Newark Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday evening.

After striking the child, the Mercedes Benz continued without stopping and was last seen traveling south on Ridgewood Avenue towards Avon Avenue. The driver of the Mercedes was described as a bald, black male with a light complexion wearing sunglasses, police said.

The child was released shortly after being transported to University Hospital where he was treated for minor non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

The Mercedes Benz appears to be an older model, 1997 to early 2000 CLK with chrome rims, and is believed to frequent Chancellor Avenue near the border of Newark and Irvington, police said.

Newark authorities released the below photos of the suspect's vehicle.

Anyone with information about the crash or the whereabouts of the driver or the Mercedes Benz can call the department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org or through the new Smartphone App available at iTunes and Google Play.

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Photos: Newark Department of Public Safety