WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) said an 8-year-old boy is dead and a 10-year-old boy is in critical condition after a hit-and-run outside a church in Winter Haven on Wednesday night.
PCSO said deputies were dispatched to Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road just before 8:30 p.m. on March 11.
Deputies said a preliminary investigation revealed the two children were on the west side of Crystal Beach Road, before the incident, about to cross the street to attend a church function.
After a truck passed by, the children were starting to make their way across the street when they were both hit by a northbound vehicle, per deputies.
PCSO said the vehicle then continued to the intersection with Winter Lake Road and turned in an unknown direction. The report said witnesses did not get a good description of the vehicle.
Officials said the 8-year-old boy died from his injuries and the 10-year-old boy was hospitalized in critical condition with a broken leg, broken arm and a skull fracture.
Deputies ask anyone who has any information about this case to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. If you want to remain anonymous, PCSO said you can reach out to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 888-400-TIPS.
Tampa Bay 28 reporter Rebecca Petit is covering this developing story. Tampa Bay 28 will provide more details as they become available.
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