A four year-old boy was released from Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center after being hit by a car Thursday morning, January 10, 2008. Investigators say the boy was crossing the street in front of Sharpe Elementary School, near Getwell and Interstate 240, when he was hit and dragged by a speeding driver, who witnesses say never stopped.

Police say the little boy was walking with his mother in the crosswalk in front of the school when he was hit by a gray Dodge Charger.
Eyewitness Krishun Carter says he was dropping off his daughter, when he saw the Charger parked in front of him. He says the car drove off in one direction, then turned around and came speeding back down the street toward him.

"He swerved from hitting the first two... her and the little boy, and hit the other little boy," he said.

Eyewitnesses say the car dragged the boy at least thirty feet. The boy's mother told Carter the boy was released from the car when the driver sideswiped another vehicle. Carter says the boy probably would have been dragged farther, because the driver never really used his brakes.

Memphis Police are searching for a newer model, silver Dodge Charger. The car has tinted windows and personalized tags. Police say the car should have front end damage.

Anyone with information on this hit and run should call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH.

According to a Memphis city ordinance, it is against the law for drivers to go faster than 15 miles per hour. Schools zones should also be clearly marked with signs, and zones may extend up to 750 feet from school grounds.

To stay safe in the designated school zones:

• Safety experts say parents should learn the pick up and drop off rules for their child's school and follow them. 
• Parents should practice the rules with their child, teach them what signs mean and the purpose of a crossing guard. 
• Experts also suggest parents should pay attention to where their child sits in the car and if possible, park on the side of the road most convenient for the child's exit.
• Memphis Police say if you get a ticket in a school zone, an appearance in court is mandatory. There are also stiffer fines for school zone violations, than regular speeding violations.

It's your turn to Speak Up! Memphis.