Child standing at ice cream truck suffers major injuries in hit-and-run west Modesto crash

A 4-year-old boy getting a treat from an ice cream truck suffered major injuries and was airlifted for treatment Saturday night after being struck by a speeding vehicle in west Modesto. The driver did not stop and is being sought by law enforcement.

The California Highway Patrol has shared a photo of the vehicle — apparently a white Dodge Nitro SUV — as its driver fled the scene. CHP Modesto office spokesman Officer Tom Olsen asked that residents spread the image. “We need to get this person,” he said in a text to The Bee.

About 9:40 p.m., the CHP and medical responders were alerted to a person being struck on Donald Street near Bellenita Park.

Emergency personnel found the seriously injured child, who was flown to the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

The CHP’s preliminary investigation indicates the SUV was traveling west on Donald Street at a high rate of speed.

The boy was standing near his caregiver at an ice cream truck that had stopped. The left front of the SUV struck the child, tossing him into the air, the CHP reported.

The driver continued west on Donald and then turned north onto Hancock Street, fleeing the collision scene.

The vehicle may have front-end damage, the CHP said.

Anyone with information on this hit-and-run is asked to contact Officers A. Norseen or B. Mitchell at 209-545-7440.

Information also may be provided to Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips also can be submitted via www.stancrimetips.org.