SAN BERNARDINO – Police have located a truck that was suspected in the eventual hit-and-run death of a two-year-old earlier this month.
San Bernardino Police said that Tuesday investigators are also looking for a dark colored sedan, “which followed the possible suspect vehicle northbound on the street which the hit-and-run had occurred,” said Lt. Richard Lawhead, police spokesman. They could be witnesses to the hit-and-run, he said.
On May 8, officers responded to tips that led them to an apartment complex regarding the truck that possibly matched the description of the May 4 incident in which a truck struck Asianae Thomas, who had entered the roadway.
The accident, which occurred at 5:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of Mountain View Ave., sent the child to a nearby hospital in grave condition. She died two days later. Lawhead said officers arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the call. “The vehicle had fled the scene prior to the officer’s arrival,” he said.
The child entered the roadway and was struck by the vehicle. Lawhead said she was taken by family members to a nearby hospital. Four days later, officers seized the truck at the apartment complex. It matched a description of the vehicle that was possibly involved in the crime, said Lawhead. He said the truck is being processed, which includes DNA samplings.
“Detectives have interviewed several people associated with the vehicle,” said Lawhead, “and the investigation is ongoing.”
Police had updated a photo of the suspect vehicle, one that had originally been taken from a store video a short distance from the hit-and-run site.
Asianae Thomas, 2-year-old victim
Lawhead said the occupants of the dark colored sedan can likely shed light on the suspect driver.
“It is believed that the occupants of this vehicle witnessed the collision but were unavailable for interview by the time officers arrived,” said Lawhead. “We believe that they may be able to provide crucial information and are being asked to come forward to speak with police regarding the incident.”
Read More:
KTLA: Possible witnesses in second car sought
CBSLA: Toddler dies after hit-and-run
