INDIANAPOLIS — A toddler was killed in a hit-and-run crash in a parking lot near the Clearwater Village Shopping Center on Indianapolis' north side, according to police.
The child was found critically injured when police responded about 7:30 p.m. to the 4600 block of East 82nd Street for a report of a crash with injury, according to a spokesperson for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
His mother, Lakiea Murry said her car overheated. She pulled over in this parking space near the shopping center's entrance, opened all of the car doors and popped the hood.
She says Jyrie got out and was dribbling his basketball. She never imagined someone would hit him and drive off.
"All of a sudden I didn't hear the ball bouncing anymore so I got out of the car," Murry said. "I said Jyrie, Jyrie then by the time I noticed he was lying on the ground. I had looked up and seen a white SUV and drove down to DSW."
The toddler was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after responders arrived.
The boy's father has identified him as Jyrie Mathews, 3.
"He was 3 and he had a whole life to live," Murry said. "Jyrie was going to be a hooper. He loved basketball," said Murry.
In an emailed update on Thursday, IMPD said detectives have interviewed the driver and weren't going to release additional details at this time.
"No additional information, including the identity of the driver, the type of vehicle involved, or where they were located, are being released at this time," the email read.
The case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office for a charging decision, IMPD said.
Police urged anyone with more information — especially those who were in the area and may have witnessed the crash — to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 (TIPS).
-
Indianapolis leaders provide public safety update ahead of Fourth Fest
Nearly 25,000 Central Indiana residents are expected to attend Fourth Fest, the city’s July Fourth celebration, in downtown Indianapolis, featuring live music, food and a fireworks show.
Cellphone ban and child protection laws take effect in Indiana
An all-day school cellphone ban and new reporting requirements for child abuse cases top the list of new state laws that take effect Wednesday.
Fever coach Stephanie White addresses online abuse Alyssa Thomas has received
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was suspended for one game for making contact with Fever star Caitlin Clark's throat in last week's game.
ALERT: Extreme heat warning extended to Friday evening
An EXTREME HEAT WARNING has been extended across much of Indiana until Friday evening. Heat indices are in the triple digits now and will likely be in the triple digits the next two afternoons
