A New York City driver was arrested after killing 5-year-old Rashard Charles in front of his mother in a gruesome hit-and-run. The accident took place on Empire Blvd between Nostrand and Rogers Ave in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Sunday at 8:30pm.
Rochelle Charles, 27, got out of a taxi with her 8-month-old baby strapped to her chest and her 5-year-old son with his friend by her side. They were crossing the street toward the family's apartment when her son was hit by a tan 2001 Honda Odyssey, driven by 23-year-old Elizabeth Mayard.
"I was with my baby. He was right here with me," Charles told DNAinfo. "She double parked. She wasn't moving. She was just there. We were already walking, about to go on the sidewalk. And that's when she started reversing really fast." After the boy was struck, Mayard fled the scene while Charles banged on the back of her vehicle, yelling for her to stop.
Mayard sped away in panic, but a witness tracked her down. She ran three red lights before pulling over and speaking with bystander, who managed to convince her to return to the scene of the accident.
Mayard eventually returned to the scene sobbing. "I think I killed him," she reportedly said. "I think I killed him. I'm sorry." A crowd surrounded Mayard and yelled at her.
Rashard was placed on the hood of another car until paramedics came and took him to King County Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Mayard was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, and three traffic violations for running the red lights.
Rashard was a fun loving kid and a fan of Spiderman and Power Rangers.
