HENRY COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
Virginia State Police has arrested the man they say hit an 8-year-old boy while he was getting off his school bus in Henry County.
State police have identified 57-year-old David Paul Walker, of Martinsville, as the driver of the white Toyota pickup truck that hit the boy and then kept on going.
At this time, Walker has been charged with one felony count of hit-and-run. State police say he is being held without bond at the Henry County Jail.
Authorities report that the crash happened on Thursday at 3:23 p.m. in the 8000 block of Route 57. It happened as the boy exited Bus #147, which had its flashing lights and stop arm activated at the time of the crash.
Luckily, state troopers were able to quickly confirm and identify the suspect after viewing video footage pulled from the school bus’ onboard camera system.
“Thanks to multiple tips called in by the public and the persistent hard work of our troopers and special agents, state police was able to identify the suspect driver and take him into custody at approximately 1:30 a.m. Friday,” said Capt. Richard A. Denney, Virginia State Police Salem Division commander. “We are keeping the young boy and his family in our prayers as he continues to recover from his very serious injuries.”
The hit-and-run vehicle has also been located and recovered as evidence, authorities say.
The 8-year-old victim was flown to Roanoke Memorial Hospital and is still being treated for life-threatening injuries sustained in the crash at this time, according to state police.
The investigation is still ongoing.
ORIGINAL STORY
Authorities are searching for the person they say hit an 8-year-old boy while getting off his school bus in Henry County on Thursday afternoon.
The crash happened at 8879 Chatham Road as the boy exited Bus #147, according to the school district.
A white Toyota pick-up truck hit the boy and drove away, according to Virginia State Police.
Authorities said that the truck will have damage to the passenger side headlight, hood and bumper.
Investigators were able to download video from the bus to help identify the Toyota.
The boy was flown to a Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Crash Reconstruction Team are assisting with the crash.
If anyone has knowledge of this crash, to call The Virginia State Police at 1-800-542-5959.
