Boy, 5, Critical After Being Struck By Hit-Run Driver In Cobbs Creek

By Steve Beck, Matt Rivers

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A young boy is in critical condition after being struck by a hit and run driver in Philadelphia Saturday night.

The incident happened at about 6:45 p.m. at 59th and Cedar Streets in the city's Cobbs Creek section.

According to investigators, a car was traveling southbound on 59th Street when it struck five-year-old Casai West, who was riding a bike eastbound on Cedar Street.

Authorities say the young victim rolled off the hood and landed on the street. The driver then sped off and continued southbound on 59th Street.

The five-year-old was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where he is listed in critical condition with head trauma.

Casai suffered a skull fracture and swelling around his brain, but is making progress in his recovery, his Dad told CBS 3 Eyewitness News. He continued his recovery process Sunday and is expected to be in the hospital for at least a few more days.

"I was so scared and so nervous for him," said Derisha West, the boy's older sister who rushed to help him after the accident. "If it was your child how would you react? Just think about it being your child or one of your family members child, would you react the same way? Would you want the person that did that to your child to react the way you reacted?

Investigators say they are looking for a four-door silver Cadillac with two chrome wheels in the front and light front-end damage. The driver is described as a black male in his early 20s with braids.

Anyone with information is urged to call 911.