NE Ohio boy, 5, dies in hit-and-run on way to school

10/25/2013

CLEVELAND  — Authorities in Cleveland say a driver fatally struck a 5-year-old boy walking to school before dawn and drove off.

The boy, Israel Thornton, was hit today around 7:15 a.m. He was taken from the accident scene to a hospital, where he died. The county medical examiner released his name.

Cleveland police say the motorist left the scene, just north of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, driving a vehicle believed to be a light-colored SUV or van. The license plate is not known.

Police think the vehicle may have damage to the grill or below. Investigators are asking that any eyewitnesses come forward.