Teen on skateboard in critical condition after hit-and-run crash in Winter Garden: police
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - A teenager who was riding their skateboard in Winter Garden was airlifted to a hospital after a hit-and-run crash on Thursday, police said.
The 17-year-old boy suffered severe injuries and is in the hospital in critical condition. The crash happened around 4:55 p.m. near 4200 Winter Garden Vineland Road.
Investigators were back at the scene on Friday taking a closer look at the scene of the incident, in front of a 7-Eleven. Police are encouraging the person responsible for the crash to contact the Winter Garden Police Department.
"A frantic teenage boy came running up, screaming call 911 my friend just got hit by a car," said Rich who witnessed the crash.
That witness spoke to FOX 35 News and said he was pumping gas when it happened. He ran to the teen, called 911, and tried to direct traffic around him.
"He was unconscious for quite a while. He started to come around while I was still on with 911 and the group just tried to keep him stable and calm until paramedics could arrive," said Rich.
Another witness who did not want to be named told FOX 35 that the scene was hard to look at. He recalled seeing a lot of blood. Unfortunately, he and everyone else at the 7-Eleven did not see the car responsible.
"There were a lot of cars on the road at that time. I saw several that were stopped because of the accident. Those people absolutely saw what happened. Somebody saw this car. Somebody saw this," said Rich.
Rich said an off-duty firefighter and deputy also jumped in to help.
"Hopefully everyone acting quickly got him to the hospital faster and gave him a little extra chance. I look forward to getting to meet him when he’s out of the hospital," said Rich.
Rich had a chance to speak with the family of the victim. They told him the teen had surgery to relieve some of the pressure in his head, and they are hoping for the best.
Police have not released a description of the car. If anyone has information that will assist with this investigation, they should contact CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS or Master Police Officer Mike Rivera at 407-656-3636.
The family of the teen has started a GoFundMe to help with his medical bills.