Story Published: Sep 2, 2010 at 4:54 PM PST
Police believe they will catch up to him, if people call in with leads.
This hit and run highlights a problem that we tried to warn drivers about on Monday--before school started. It also highlights another potentially dangerous intersection.
A day after getting hit by a truck, Makayla tells her parents she wants to be a crossing guard to keep other kids safe.
Her parents didn't want to talk on camera, but told KEPR Action News it's a blessing their daughter is o.k. considering the impact of being hit while using a crosswalk at 27th and Olympia. They're also hoping the driver who hit her and left the scene gets caught soon.
From our interview with Sergeant Ken Lattin, it appears police are getting closer.
"We did collect some pieces at the scene we're pretty sure some were part of as grill. Today we evaluated those pieces for known vehicles," said Lattin.
At this point they're looking for a white full-sized Ford truck with a canopy and dual tires in the rear, 1998 to 2000 model year. It could have visible damage in the front.
Kathy Kelley runs a coffee shop across the street from where Makayla was hit. She didn't see the hit and run. But she did see her on the ground immediately afterwards.
“I noticed her laying in the road. She wasn't moving at all,” said Kelley.
And she says it's a regular danger at this intersection.
"I've seen so many near misses at this intersection. It's crazy, people just need to slow down," said Kelley.
Action News asked police about the spot and found out they don’t consider it a problem intersection.
"As far as a problem intersection, this is not on our radar as a top collision intersection," said Lattin.
Even so, the Kennewick School District is now advising students to cross Olympia street right in front of the school at 22nd where there is a crosswalk and crossing guards. That way they only have one busy street to contend if they’re headed Northeast.
Makayla's dad says lights and extra safety features would not have really made a difference here.
He believes the man who hit his daughter was simply not paying attention and in the process brought attention to the danger of hurrying near schools.
Kennewick police say this case began as a simple accident. But because the driver took off, it's now escalated to felony vehicular assault.
