Child in critical condition after hit-and-run crash near Seaford

A 9-year-old girl had just finished checking the mailbox across the street from her home Thursday night when a passing vehicle hit her, according to state police.

The child, who remains in critical condition, was flown directly to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children for treatment of her "major injuries," said Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe, a spokeswoman for Delaware State Police.

The 2002 Mazda Protégé that hit her – driven by a 21-year-old Seaford man who police have not identified – fled the scene, Jaffe said. He was later located, but police said no charges have been filed against him at this time.

Police determined that the crash happened about 5:05 p.m. Thursday along German Road, about 0.7 miles south of Old Furnace Road, Jaffe said. The Mazda was traveling northbound and struck the child, who was crossing the street to get back to her home, she said.

German Road between Concord Pond Road and Old Furnace Road was closed for about four hours while the crash was investigated.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Master Cpl. J. Burns at (302) 703-3266.  Tips may also be provided to Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com