'Horrible tragedy': 8-year-old killed in hit-and-run outside Ontario school

Girl was struck outside Burlington school while walking to evening theatre event; 21-year-old charged with failure to remain at the scene of a collision causing death

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1 / 1 A memorial has been assembled in front of Central Public School, where an 8-year-old girl died after being struck by a car on May 3.Julie Slack photo

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Police in Burlington have charged a 21-year-old man with failure to remain at the scene of a collision causing death after an 8-year-old girl was struck and killed outside a school Wednesday night.

Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) media relations officers Ryan Anderson and Steve Elms held a media conference this morning at Burlington Central Public School.

Anderson said the HRPS collision reconstruction unit continues to investigate the incident. The man has been arrested, charged and released.

“It’s a horrible, horrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and the child,” Anderson said, adding a number of witnesses who were at the Brant Street school on Wednesday night were able to provide plate and vehicle information, leading police to make the arrest that night.

Police said the child was dropped off at the school by a parent at approximately 5:30 p.m. to attend a theatre event. As she crossed the school driveway toward the east entrance of the building, she was struck by a white SUV leaving the parking lot.

A large memorial has been set up near the driveway where the child was struck. Stuffed toys, flowers and notes have been placed under a nearby tree.

Police victim impact services attended the child’s family home last evening, Anderson added.

It’s not clear whether the child attended Burlington Central School.

“The SUV exited the lot without stopping, and turned westbound on Baldwin Street,” said a police news release issued early this morning.

The girl was rushed by ambulance to McMaster Children’s Hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.

Anyone who may have witnessed the event, or have information they believe the police should know, are asked to contact Lead Investigator DC KRIPAK of the Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747, exts 5189.

Tips can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca