According to authorities, a little girl died Thursday night after being hit by a motorist on Staples Mill Road near Townhouse Road in Henrico County.
The incident was reported around 10:45 p.m., as a rainstorm rolled through Central Virginia.
“The preliminary crash investigation indicates the toddler had walked away from her home nearby and into the eastbound lanes of Staples Mill Road where she was hit,” a Henrico Police spokesperson said. “The driver of the Honda remained on the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash.
Henrico Police are currently examining both the crash and the circumstances under which the child left the house.
“The preliminary investigation indicates the child was left in the care of a babysitter. Due to the sensitive nature of this case, details will be released when appropriate,” the spokesperson said.
“We are at a loss for words about what unfolded last night,” Henrico County Police Division Assistant Chief Lauren Edwards said. “Any time a crash or violent crime ends in a death is a horrible result, but to have a child as the victim is even more difficult to comprehend. Our detectives are trained to thoroughly investigate each case they are assigned, and that will continue in this instance as our community tries to heal from this tragic event.”
CBS 6 Crime Insider Jon Burkett was on the site of the crash Thursday night and Friday morning.
“When I hear things like this, it hits home,” Burkett said, “I have grandkids this age, and it’s just terribly sad.”
During the inquiry on Thursday night, the incident stopped traffic on Staples Mill Road.