CLEVELAND – A child was struck and killed by a vehicle on Cleveland’s west side Friday morning.
Israel T. Thornton, 5, was walking to school on Denison Avenue at West 37th with his cousin when, police say, he was hit just after 7 a.m.
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He was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center but died there as a result of his injuries.
Officers said the driver of the vehicle continued eastbound on Denison Avenue. They are looking for a light-colored SUV or caravan that may have damage to the grill or the area below. The license plate number is unknown right now.
The Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the incident. Other vehicles were traveling in the area at the time of the incident and investigators think other drivers may have seen the hit-skip vehicle.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the vehicle or the driver of the vehicle, or anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Second District at 216-623-5200 or the Hit Skip Unit at 216-623-5295.
Anonymous information can be given to Crime Stoppers by calling 216-252-7463 or via text message: text TIP657 plus your message to Crimes (274637).
A spokesperson with Breakthrough Schools said Thornton attended Village Prep , a Cleveland charter school. Officials say grief counselors will remain at the school until the end of next week.
Friday also marks “Molly Day,” which is the day Senator George Voinovich’s daughter, Molly, was struck and killed on her way to school years ago. During a Molly Day event, Cleveland Schools CEO Eric Gordon asked for a moment of silence to honor Thornton.
