Boy, 11, killed in hit-and-run in South Philly, suspect in custody
Just after 3 p.m., the boy was crossing the 1000 block of Shunk Street when he was struck by a dark-colored SUV, possibly a Honda.
An 11-year-old boy was killed Friday afternoon by a hit-and-run driver in South Philadelphia, police said.
Shortly after 6, police reported that they had a suspect in custody and had recovered the striking vehicle. The suspect's name was not released and no details were immediately available on the arrest or on charges the suspect would face.
Just after 3 p.m., the boy, whose first name was Julian, was crossing the 1000 block of Shunk Street when he was struck by a dark-colored SUV. Medics took the boy to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:35 p.m.
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Ralph Schafer, 53, was about to get on his motorcycle about a half block away when he heard some girls screaming. He ran over to the boy, who was lying face down on Shunk Street about 20 feet west of 10th Street.
"I just squeezed his hand hoping he would squeeze back," Schafer said. Julian did not respond, Schafer said. He had a large gash in the side his head.
Schafer praised the medics who responded to the scene.
"They worked nonstop on this child like he was their own," Schafer said.
Shortly before 7 p.m., a woman accompanied by a group of children arrived at where Julian was struck to create a makeshift memorial of flowers and a sign that read: "Rest In Peace Julian."
Simone Simon said she made the sign with some Julian's friends "to show their love for him."
Natalie Maddox, 39, whose 10-year-old son was one of the victim's best friends, said she knew him since he was born.
Her son and Julian were riding bikes on the street Friday afternoon shortly before his death, she said.
She last saw Julian on Thursday when he visited her house to play the video game Fortnight on her son's PlayStation.
"He was a sweetheart. He was a sweet little boy," Maddox said.