8-year-old Burlington girl dies after hit-and-run outside downtown school, driver arrested

An 8-year-old Burlington girl has died and Halton police have charged a 21-year-old man with fleeing the scene of the deadly incident.

According to police, the hit-and-run took place near Central Public School and Central High School, in downtown Burlington, shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 3.

Students and parents were gathered for a school theatre event, Halton Regional Police said in a press release.

A parent stopped in the driveway to allow their 8-year-old child to exit the vehicle and enter the school.  As the child crossed the driveway towards the east entrance doors, they were struck by a white SUV, exiting the lot.  The SUV exited the lot without stopping, and turned westbound on Baldwin Street.

When emergency crews arrived on Baldwin Street, the 8-year-old victim was conscious and breathing, police said. However, after being rushed to McMaster Children’s hospital, she was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, police said. Witnesses provided police with the vehicle’s licence plant and police later arrested a 21-year-old man.

He has been charged with failure to stop after an accident resulting in death. Police said further charges could be laid.

Police have not released the names of either the victim or the suspect.

Anyone who witnessed the event or have information that they believe the police should be aware of, contact the lead investigator Detective Constable Kripak of the Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, at 905-825-4747 ext 5189.

Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, tips can be reported through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca

.@HaltonPolice have seized the vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run on Wednesday evening. It was taken to Forensics where it will undergo further analysis. @HRPSBurl #BurlON pic.twitter.com/qBi7qp49eP

— DR (@Media371) May 4, 2023