VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Warning: details about the hit and run investigation may be disturbing for some readers.
Teddy bears, pink flowers, and an action figure toy sit snug together around a pole at the corner of First Colonial Road and Southall Drive. Each memorial piece honors the 2-year-old who died after getting hit by a driver at that intersection Friday night.
Virginia Beach police said that based on their preliminary investigation, a driver of a pickup truck failed to yield while turning right at the red light and drove straight into the child on the crosswalk. They said the toddler was crossing the street with a family member.
The crash happened shortly before 7 p.m. Friday, March 10. The intersection sits in a busy area with stores, residential neighborhoods, and doctor's offices at each corner.
Officers arrested 77-year-old Raul Santiago in the investigation.
In recent court documents, investigators said Santiago hit and then ran over the child. Officers said the man kept driving further down the road where they quickly found him and took him into custody.
Santiago is charged with felony hit and run with injury. Court documents state he is currently out on bond with travel restrictions, including not being allowed to drive a vehicle.
Officers wrote in the court documents that Santiago did not appear intoxicated at the scene of the crash.
People who live near the family of the 2-year-old said they would see the child often go on walks with family.
"Not a long-time neighbor, but just finding that they live a few houses from us. They seem like really nice people. They're always waving at neighbors and walking," said one neighbor who didn't want to be identified. "It's just extra sad to know it's in our neighborhood."
The neighbor had come back from traveling out of state and saw the memorial at the corner. When he asked what it was, another resident told him it involved the little child who lived just a few doors down.
Thursday, the neighbor brought a white bow and tied it to the pole where the memorial sat.
"It's just tragic, so we wanted to come out and bring something to put on the corner as well," he said.
The crash remains under investigation. Police ask that if you witnessed the accident or have any other information about this case, to call the Virginia Beach Police Department Special Operations Bureau at 757-385-4606 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. You can also submit a tip online at P3Tips.com.