FALLBROOK – A 7-year-old boy was hit and severely injured Wednesday morning by a woman driving a van who initially stopped but then drove off.
The boy was with his mother and two other children crossing east Alvarado Street at North Main Street about 7:30 a.m. when a white Chevy Astro minivan hit him, said California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Latulippe.
The 27-year-old driver, who was making a left turn from eastbound Alvarado onto North Main, dragged the boy about 40 feet at slow speed, Latulippe said.
She stopped the van and got out to help. She said she was going to move her vehicle, but she drove away instead, Latulippe said.
Onlookers took down the van's license plate and gave it to officers, who went to the home of the registered owner. He told them that he loaned the van to family friends.
Officers then went to that home and arrested the woman, who told officers she drove away because she did not have a license and was scared, Latulippe said.
The boy was taken by helicopter to Rady Children's Hospital. He suffered several abrasions and a bruise to the back of his head, Latulippe said.
The woman was booked into Vista county jail.
Debbi Baker: (619) 293-1710;
debbi.baker@uniontrib.com
