Special needs boy critically injured in Camden hit-and-run

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police are seeking the public's help in locating the driver who struck a 7-year-old boy and fled the scene in Camden, New Jersey.

Joele Pachecho is heavily sedated at Cooper University hospital with serious injuries, including a fractured skull, his family said.

He was hit just before 4 p.m. Friday in a parking lot on the 200 block of Branch Village.

Police say JoJo, as his family calls him, was hit by a dark SUV with a Pennsylvania plate that apparently included the letters DLW.

Neighbors tell the family the driver, thought to be a young woman, got out briefly and then drove off.

"We are praying for this person to turn themselves in. We're praying for my little cousin, and everybody's praying. We're getting closer, but that person needs to come forward," said his cousin, Yaritza Pitre.

JoJo is a special needs child. At birth he had a neurological condition and it wasn't clear if he would walk or talk... but he did.

Because of his health, he was closely watched by family.

"He wanted to play sports but was not able, so me and his oldest brother would play catch with him with the football," said his cousin, Joshua Santos.

The little boy's recovery will be long and complicated, and his family has little money.

"Pray for JoJo is the GoFundMe account I had made for my aunt. It's to help her and and medical expenses for JoJo," said Pitre.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Camden County police at 856-757-7042.