5-year-old struck in hit-and-run recovering at Riley Hospital, mother says

INDIANAPOLIS — The mother of 5-year-old Vinceon Martin, the boy who was injured in a hit-and-run Friday afternoon on the city's east side, says he's still recovering.

Shanice Hatcher said her son is at Riley Hospital for Children and is walking, talking and smiling despite his injuries.

He's making his family proud on the full road to recovery ahead of him.

WRTV / Photos Provided

Martin was hit by a car Friday afternoon in the city's Englewood neighborhood, according to IMPD.

"It's very heartbreaking, I didn’t know what to expect, you know when things like this happen you just automatically think the worst," Dominque Borneman, Vinceon's aunt said.

Officers were called to the crash about 4 p.m. to 57 N. Rural St.

Hatcher said the driver got out of the car after hitting Martin, but then fled the scene. She said it is frustrating as a mother to have this happen to her child.

WRTV / Photos Provided

Hatcher also said the family is thankful for the prayers and support they have received.

"He got about 16 staples in his head, then they told me that his pelvis was fractured," said Gerald Harcher Sr., Vinceon's grandfather.

On Friday, IMPD Officer William Young said it was "very frustrating" that the driver did not stay at the scene.

"It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up," Young said. "You struck a human being, let alone a child. It's extremely disturbing."

Hatcher said a doorbell video from a neighbor helped IMPD identify a suspect.

IMPD said that a suspect has been identified but not arrested.

They released a statement to WRTV that read, "The public was instrumental in the identification of a suspect. Cooperation from members of our community has proven critical in the identification of an arrest in multiple cases. It is a testament to the value of the police and community working together to address crime."

WRTV has reached out to IMPD for more information.

Anyone with more information is asked to call IMPD detectives at 317-327-6549. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262 8477 or 317-262-TIPS.