A Mena man has been charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident after he allegedly ran over a 1-year-old girl with his truck.
Kevin Heard, 28, was arrested Wednesday.
Officers say the accident happened around 7:20 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Reeves Avenue and 12th Street.
“One of the witnesses said that you know her dress was flying around and it appeared like a trash bag flying through the air,” said Det. Brandon Martin. Investigators say the victim is Lillian Thacker.
She suffered serious injuries and had to be taken by medical helicopter to Arkansas Children’s Hospital where she’s listed in critical but stable condition. The victim’s mother posted on her Facebook page the girl had bleeding on the brain, a tear in her lung and spleen.
A white circle in the road marks the spot where officers found Thacker. “Saw her laying face first on the ground and not moving, not responding,” said Michael Sowell, a neighbor.
Eyewitnesses told police the driver appeared to be texting and driving. They also say he didn’t help her when he stopped.
“Pulled over into this parking lot, got out, and looked at the child, and got back in and left the scene,” said Det. Martin.
Family members say adults were watching the child play outside with other relatives when she slipped away.