5-year-old left dying in road after hit-and-run, NC police say. ‘Heartbreaking’

A search is underway the driver accused of running down a 5-year-old and leaving him to die, according to police in North Carolina.

The crash happened around 5 p.m. Friday in High Point, about a 75-mile drive northeast from uptown Charlotte.

“High Point 911 received a call about someone lying in the road near the intersection of E. Russell Avenue and Hines Street. ... They found a five-year-old boy who had been hit by a car. He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died,” High Point police said in a June 5 news release.

“The driver left the scene, but investigators believe the suspect’s vehicle is a gray Ford Focus or Ford Fiesta, possibly from model years 2012-2018.”

High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III called the incident “a heartbreaking tragedy,” and urged the driver to come forward before detectives close in for an arrest.

“The person responsible made the decision to leave the scene rather than stop and help,” Cheeks said in a statement.

“To the driver involved, I am asking you to do the right thing. Accidents happen, but the choices we make afterward define our character. ... I urge anyone with information, and especially the individual involved, to contact law enforcement immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the High Point Police Department at 336-883-3224 or Crimestoppers of High Point at 336-889-4000.