5-year-old boy killed in hit-and-run crash near Plant City, driver still wanted

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County deputies are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a 5-year-old boy Saturday night.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said at 9:23 p.m., deputies were called to Rogers Road for reports of a 5-year-old child that was hit by a car.

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When deputies arrived, they immediately began CPR until Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews arrived and took over life-saving measures.

The child was flown to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His mother later identified him as Elijah Rogers.

Deputies said the mother and the boy were walking on Rogers Road when a car hit them both. The driver never stopped or attempted to render aid.

The mother was also injured, but she is expected to survive.

The sheriff's office said on Monday morning that a vehicle of interest in the deadly crash was located by patrol deputies around 1:30 a.m. within a mile of the crime scene.

The driver said he was not involved in the crash, according to the sheriff's office. The car was processed by crime scene investigators and the sheriff's office said later the same day that it was ruled out as being involved in the deadly crash.

"I am very proud of the hardworking patrol deputies who worked diligently throughout the night to quickly locate this vehicle of interest. This was a very difficult investigation for everyone involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young victim, especially the child's mother who is recovering from her own injuries sustained in this crash" said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our investigation will continue until we can provide the family with answers and bring justice to the driver who carelessly fled the scene."

Detectives have made no arrests in the case and are asking anyone with information to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.