Watch CBS News

Toddler Girl Accidently Hit And Killed By Parent's Truck In Richmond

RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- Richmond police were on the scene of a tragic accident Thursday afternoon where a parent struck and killed their own two-year-old girl, according to authorities.

Police responded at 2:21 p.m. to a call about a child that was hit by a GMC pickup truck in the 300 block of Beck Street, according to initial reports from police officials.

Police officials later said that the responding officers arrived to find the child clutched by one of her parents. Officers realized the girl had been hit by one of her parents who was driving the family's truck, police said.

The child was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

Police said somehow the 2-year-old girl got out of the house and ran in front of the truck. The parent didn't see the girl and crushed her in the driveway, killing her on the spot.

The entire family was devastated.

"The child may have been trying to chase after the parent who was leaving, to probably say goodbye," said Richmond Police Lt. Felix Tan. "But unfortunately, the vehicle is large and the child is small in stature and the visibility. The parent probably didn't see the child. It's tough for all of us."

Even police officers were holding back tears after the heartbreaking accident.

"Oh my God. I'm looking at these policemen and I knew something real bad happened because these policemen got this look on their face like, 'This could've been my kid,'" said a neighbor who didn't want to give their name.

There were a lot of young families in the neighborhood sharing in that feeling of sadness and disbelief.

Richmond police chaplains were called to the scene to offer support. Police added that a peer support team was also activated for the responding officers.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.