FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – An unlicensed driver is charged with felony hit and run, accused of running over a toddler in Southwest Fresno, then leaving the scene.
The child turned out to be his step-niece.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said somebody called 911 just after 10:15 Tuesday morning, reporting a hysterical woman in the backseat of a car on W. Geary Street, near Fruit and California Ave.
Later around 5:00 pm, a social worker at Valley Children’s Hospital called police saying a woman showed up with her critically-injured child.
20-year-old Diamante Miranda told detectives it was a hit and run that injured her daughter.
When Detectives said there may be video, she changed her story, saying it was her step-brother, 33-year-old Eddie Alvarado, and it was an accident.
WARNING: The video may be disturbing to some.
“Initially he denied being the driver of the vehicle, saying it was another vehicle that ran over the child,” said Dyer, “but again, after being confronted that we may in fact have video evidence, he stated that it was, in fact, him.”
Around 11:00 Tuesday night, Chief Dyer said they were called by the Madera Police Department, who had Alvarado in custody, looking roughed-up.
“He had been assaulted by who we believe to be family members in retaliation for his involvement in the hit and run,” said Dyer.
He was later booked into Fresno County Jail.
Chief Dyer said Alvarado is a farm worker, with his immigration status currently unknown but that he had not other prior arrests.
The 23-month-old girl was in critical condition at Valley Children’s Hospital with several broken bones and head trauma.
Chief Dyer said the mother, Diamante Miranda, had not been charged.
WARNING: The video may be disturbing to some.
There may be more charges filed as Fresno Police investigate further why Miranda lied, and meet with the Fresno County District Attorney.
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
