4-year-old struck and killed in Brooklyn hit-and-run, NYPD says

A driver is wanted after they struck and killed a young child in Brooklyn and then fled the scene, according to New York City police.

The NYPD said 4-year-old Zachariah Padilla suffered fatal injuries after he was hit by a white Ford SUV at around 11 a.m. Thursday on Linden Boulevard and Rockaway Parkway in Brownsville.

Boy ran into street, investigators say

Police said it appeared the boy broke away from his mother and ran into the street alone just before the deadly hit-and-run. His mother was chasing after him when he was struck by the SUV driver, who did not stop, according to investigators. 

The crash occurred right outside Brookdale University Hospital, where the boy was pronounced dead. His mother was not injured, said police.

Hospital staff, patients and visitors were shocked as news of the boy's death spread. 

"That is so sad because everyone up in the hospital is just crying," said Royston Antione, of Canarsie. "It could happen to anybody." 

"It's getting very sad nowadays. Hitting the baby and leaving the scene," said a woman named Sandra.

"That's a child ... have some consideration and stop," said a woman named Katrina. 

Neighbors want speeding crackdown

Other people who live in the neighborhood want something done about drivers who speed through the area. 

"The traffic here, they're always speeding and it's dangerous," Erna G. said. "Something has to be done. It's not good." 

Detectives investigating the hit-and-run were searching for security videos and anything to provide clues to the SUV's whereabouts after it was seen going northbound on Rockaway Parkway. 

"It's hard. I couldn't imagine what that parent is going through right now," another person said. "I hope that these cameras caught them, because you're about to go down. Like, that's really sad. That's a child." 

Police did not immediately have a description of a suspect or additional details about the accident. 

Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.