DETROIT (WXYZ) — A teenage boy is in critical condition after being hit by a car on Detroit’s west side on Tuesday morning.
The incident happened around 8 a.m. on Evergreen and Plymouth. Police originally thought the incident was a hit-and-run, but now they believe the driver may have intentionally hit the boy.
7 Action News obtained security video showing the moments leading up to the crash.
At 8:23 a.m., two boys cross Evergreen on Plymouth when a red sedan pulls up, turns east on Plymouth and hits one of the boys.
The victim was then dragged underneath the car for nearly 100 feet. The video then shows the car speeding away eastbound on Plymouth.
Around noon, a car matching the description was located in the area.
As the police towed away the car, the owner told 7 Action News that the vehicle was purchased recently, and her 18-year-old boyfriend was the one driving it this morning. Once he returned, he said he wasn't feeling well and left.
"It's devastating, and what's really sad, his friend, the one that did not get hit, was like begging him to please get up. I'm praying for the families," said Brandon Persinger, a witness to the crash.
Persinger saw the accident while working at the auto repair shop on the corner. The 34-year-old says the crash triggered his painful memory involving a car accident.
"Actually, if you look at my arm, it says, 'rest in peace, Ryan.' When I was 9 years old, my best friend was hit on Michigan Ave. I held him in my arms when he died," said Persinger.
The police are asking the public for help. If you know anything about the incident, please call the 6th Precinct or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
Stay with WXYZ.com for updates on this developing story.
