Riverside family seeks answers after hit-and-run crash leaves 15-year-old girl critically injured

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Riverside family is pleading for information after a 15-year-old girl was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash while walking home from Poly High School last Friday.

Amiya Gutierrez remains in intensive care at Riverside Community Hospital, according to her family. Her mother, Anita Gutierrez, said her daughter was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when she was struck.

"She was at the crosswalk and crossing the street," Anita Gutierrez said through tears.

The family said Amiya was about a third of a mile from the school when the crash occurred. According to the family's account, the driver was in a left-turn lane and fled the scene after hitting the teen as she crossed.

It happened around 3:30 p.m. on Friday along Victoria Avenue, just north of the high school.

"The fact that you hit her and then ran her over and sped off, like my kid's life didn't matter, like no one's life mattered," her mother said.

The teen's aunt, Gracie Gutierrez, said Amiya remains in critical condition four days after the crash.

"She was doing what thousands of kids do every day, and just innocently, just walking home from school," Gracie Gutierrez said. "She has a smile that lights up the room. And to see her in the condition that she's in is just heartbreaking."

Anita Gutierrez recalled learning about the collision during a frantic phone call she received while at work.

"She just said, 'She's hit. She is hit.' And I'm like yelling like, 'Who?! Who?!'" she said.

The family obtained video that they say shows the suspect leaving the scene in a beige-colored truck. Riverside police said they are still searching for the driver.

"We know that there are a lot of homes in that area, and there's Ring cameras that can be reviewed," said Riverside Police Det. Steven Espinosa. "We ask the public's help for assisting us in identifying who this person was and ultimately finding out why they fled."

Despite the severity of Amiya's injuries, family members said they remain hopeful about her recovery.

"It's going to be a long road. Right now, it's minute by minute," the teen's aunt said. "She is in critical condition."

The family is also urging motorists to use extra caution around schools, particularly during arrival and dismissal times.

"Everyone, slow down, please. Life is important and precious," the girl's mother said.