INDIANAPOLIS — A girl who was struck by a hit-and-run driver Friday morning on her way to the school bus on the far east side of Indianapolis has died, according to Metro Police.
IMPD officers were called just before 7 a.m. to the intersection on Penrith Drive and Mitthoeffer Road, just north of East 25th Street, on a report of a child struck.
Officers found 12-year-old Saleina Marcelus in the middle of the road. She was taken to Riley Hospital for treatment.
Authorities said Marcelus was a student at the Andrew J. Brown Academy about two miles from where she was struck. Many of the students at the school ride the bus, but there are students who walk to and from school every day.
Officer Samone Burris of IMPD said, "[Marcelus] didn't deserve to be left in the road with no aid" by the driver who hit her and kept going.
IMPD said they are looking for a red four-door vehicle that was headed north on Mitthoeffer Road when the girl was struck and is asking the driver or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
After investigators examined the parts collected at the scene, preliminary information suggests the suspect vehicle is a 2016-2018 red Honda Civic.
If you have information, you can call Det. Eric Snow of IMPD at 317-327-6549. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS.
If you know the driver, the Marion County Sheriff's Office shared a message.
"The driver that hit the child this morning is likely nervous about turning themselves in. Just a reminder, we operate the civilian-administered Safe Surrender program where people that have warrants or have committed a crime can turn themselves in at the time and place of their choosing with loved ones or faith leaders present. This might be the thing that nudges someone into doing the right thing."
The driver can call 317-327-SAFE (7233) or visit safe.indy.gov to begin that process.