Girl critical after hit-and-run in west Detroit

Kamari Smith, 8, hit by silver Dodge Charger

DETROIT – An 8-year-old girl is fighting for her life after she was struck by a vehicle Monday afternoon on Robson Street in west Detroit -- near Greenfield and Fenkell roads.

EMS rushed Kamari Smith to a hospital after she was struck by a silver Dodge Charger while she was standing at an ice cream truck.

"Whoever this coward was hit my baby and kept going," said Lisa Surrell, Smith's aunt. "(He) hit her and kept going."

"The signs and the lights were activated. "(The) car discarded the stop," said Capt. Anthony Topp, with the Detroit Police Department.

Investigators said right after Kamari got her ice cream the car came racing through the street.

"He was going at least 50 mph. Had to be," Surrell said.

Johnny Russell watched the man in the Charger slam right into the little girl.

"He was doing about 50 mph," Russell said. "(It) hit her by the black car. Her head hit the windshield."

Police said the driver of that car fled.

"I'm angry, but prayerful. I knows she's going to be OK," Surrell said. "I don't understand how you can hit a child and keep going. You know you hit her"

Smith had no vitals when EMS arrived but they brought her back and now family members are praying the little girl is back to stay.

"We're putting it in God's hand and we're confident she will recover," Surrell said. "She will pull through this and we'll be here when she wakes up."

"We don't think you meant to do it. Do the right thing, turn yourself in," Russell said.

Family members of Smith stood outside children's hospital Monday night, consoling each other as the little girl fights for her life.

"Her lungs collapsed. She's unconscious but she's here," Surrell said.

Detroit police are continuing the investigation.

Stay with ClickOndetroit.com for more information as it becomes available.


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