A devastating hit-and-run incident in Phoenix, Arizona has claimed the life of a seven-year-old boy just steps ahead of his mother, leaving a family shattered and a community demanding justice.
Young Miguel Dominguez was crossing the street with his family near 35th Avenue and Southern Avenue when tragedy struck. According to Phoenix Police, the family was legally using a marked crosswalk around 8:30 PM on Tuesday when a dark-coloured SUV sped through the intersection.
"He was just a few steps ahead of me," the boy's heartbroken mother told authorities through tears. "One moment he was there, and the next he was gone."
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Miguel was pronounced dead at the hospital. The driver responsible fled the scene without stopping, leaving the child lying in the roadway.
Community Outrage and Police Investigation
Phoenix Police Traffic Investigator Sgt. Robert Scherf expressed the department's determination to find the driver, stating: "We will not rest until we find who's responsible for this senseless tragedy. Someone out there knows something."
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with neighbours describing the area as notoriously dangerous for pedestrians despite the presence of crosswalks. Many residents have long advocated for additional safety measures, including better lighting and reduced speed limits.
A Family's unimaginable grief
Miguel, described by relatives as a "bright, joyful boy who loved dinosaurs and making people laugh," was returning from a family outing when the tragedy occurred. His mother, who witnessed the entire incident, is receiving counselling along with other family members.
The Dominguez family has established a memorial at the crash site, where stuffed animals, flowers, and candles continue to grow as the community mourns the loss of the young boy.
Police are urging anyone with information about the dark-coloured SUV or the incident to come forward immediately. Crime Stop is offering a reward for information leading to the driver's apprehension.
