5 people, including 4 kids, hospitalized after being hit by driver in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Five people, including four children, were injured after being struck by a driver as they were gathered outside for a prom celebration in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia.
The incident happened around 6:04 p.m. Friday in the 4700 block of Marple Street.
Authorities said the victims include a woman and four children between the ages of 3 and 6. All were taken to a hospital. A 4-year-old boy was listed in critical condition, while the others, including the woman, were reported stable.
Police said the woman is the grandmother of two of the injured children.
Witnesses said the driver of a burgundy Chrysler 300 sped onto the sidewalk, striking people gathered outside.
"In the midst of gathering for prom. He was actually a guest. I don't know what happened or transpired. He sped across the pavement and destroyed everything," said Shantee Pruitt of Holmesburg.
According to investigators, the 18-year-old driver traveled along the sidewalk for approximately 20 to 30 yards.
"It sped up real quick, turned up that street. I hear pop, pop, pop, pop, and all these people screaming. I'm like, 'Oh my God, what did I just witness?' I called 911," recalled Tanya Roach of Torresdale.
Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace said a victim's father pursued the driver in another vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody a few blocks away.
Police have not released the driver's name, and it was not immediately clear what charges he may face.
Witnesses said the driver was known in the community, intensifying the emotional impact of the incident.
"The fact that he calls us family, he calls me mom, he didn't stop. My heart hurts," said Pruitt.
Police have not released additional information about what led up to the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police at 215-686-TIPS.
