Driver, 18, charged in hit-and-run that critically injured Temple student

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have announced charges in a hit-and-run incident that left a Temple University student critically injured.

Last week police say 18-year-old Robert Roberts hit Temple University student Rachel Hall as she was riding her mountain bike.

Police say they obtained surveillance video of Hall riding through a stop sign when she was struck.

Roberts, who only had a learners permit, told investigators he panicked and fled. But and he and his family came forward to police less than 12 hours later, turning over the striking vehicle, and according to police, have been fully cooperating with investigators.

Police say two other occupants of the vehicle are also cooperating with police.

Hall was thrown from her bike several feet. She suffered head and leg injuries and had to be hospitalized. Her father tells Action News she was a goalkeeper for the Temple Lacrosse Team and majored in Criminal Justice.

Hall will graduate from Temple University on Friday. Her mother is expected to accept her diploma on her behalf.

Police also say despite Roberts only having a learners permit, there was no one in the vehicle over the age of 21 with a valid drivers license, which is a violation of state law.

Roberts is charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a serious injury.

Police say with the exception of the learners permit violation, had he stayed at the scene he probably would not be facing charges.