LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) are investigating after a child died following a crash in the Southside neighborhood of Louisville.
According to an LMPD spokesperson, a 3-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle near the intersection of Southside Dr. and Steedly Drive around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday.
The department initially said preliminary information indicated a hit-and-run, but later clarified to say the driver "eventually returned" to the scene following the crash and cooperated with investigators.
The child was transported to the hospital in critical condition and died from his injuries Wednesday afternoon. The boy's identity has not been released.
LMPD spokesperson Beth Ruoff said the Jefferson County Attorney's Office will determine if any charges are appropriate. As of Wednesday afternoon, the attorney's office could not provide any information on the status of this case.
Families living in the neighborhood say a lot of young kids run and play in the area, adding that cars are often going faster than they'd like -- leading to crashes.
"When something like that happens, you're just more careful. You're always watching for your kids, making sure they're safe," said Isaura Zejnula, a mother of two and neighbor who lives farther down on Steedly Drive.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) data show that there have been 17 collisions along Southside Drive in 2022, including 10 crashes resulting in injuries.
Meanwhile, LMPD tells us officers have responded to seven crashes along Southside Drive in the last month alone.
We also followed up with LMPD, asking how long it took the driver to return -- and whether any actions by the driver constituted a 'failure to render aid.' A department spokesperson said the department can't provide those details at this time.
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