Police: Driver strikes boy in Port Richmond, shows up at hospital

PORT RICHMOND (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police say the driver who struck a young boy in Port Richmond showed up at the hospital after handing the victim over to authorities.

The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. Monday in the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Elkhart Street.

Witnesses say the driver of a Chevy Silverado slammed into a 9-year-old boy riding his bike.

The truck stopped at the scene and the driver got out.

"Everybody was telling him not to touch the kid," witness Kathleen Robbins said.

People rushed to help the injured boy, but they say it was the frantic driver who picked up and shook the 9-year-old to try to wake him.

"Then he picked him back down on the ground and we all walked over to the boy. I didn't see him breathing at first, then I looked over and I seen his stomach moving. Then the dude picked him up, shoved him in the car, didn't say nothing, just shoved him in the car and just took off," witness Michele Krause said.

Investigators say the driver who had two other men in the truck with him drove down Frankford Avenue with the boy and flagged down police.

The officers took the child, but say the driver didn't stick around.

They thought the incident had turned into a hit and run.

"I have two kids of my own. I was terrified. I have a 5-year-old. She rides her bike everywhere and it scares me," Krause said.

Police say the driver reappeared a short time later at Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children where the 9-year-old was transported with head injuries.

Sue Eastlack, a family friend, says the boy's name is Julio and his mother his by his side.

"His mom said she appreciates everybody's prayers and Julio was in stable condition. They expected a full recovery," Eastlack said.

Accident investigators say the driver was being interviewed Monday night; they have also seized the truck.