Search continues for driver in fatal hit-and-run of toddler in Colorado

Police urge public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A two-year-old child was struck and killed by a driver who then fled the scene in an Erie, Colorado neighborhood on Sunday, February 15. Police are still searching for the responsible driver and have identified a vehicle of interest after reviewing surveillance footage, but are asking the public to come forward with any details that could help the ongoing investigation.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents involving pedestrians, especially vulnerable road users like young children, are a serious public safety concern. This tragedy has shaken the local community and highlights the need for drivers to be held accountable when they flee the scene of a collision.

The details

According to Erie Police, the incident occurred around 4:40 pm on Sunday when a driver struck and killed the two-year-old child in a neighborhood east of Mountain View Boulevard and north of Village Vista Drive. Emergency crews attempted life-saving measures but the child died at the scene. The driver who hit the toddler had fled before police arrived, though another witness who saw the incident remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Detectives have since reviewed surveillance footage and identified a vehicle of interest, and are in contact with that driver as part of the ongoing probe.

  • The incident occurred around 4:40 pm on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Police received the initial call reporting the hit-and-run on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Erie Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the fatal hit-and-run incident.

Witness

A person who saw the incident occur and remained on scene to cooperate with police.

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What they’re saying

“Leaving the scene of a crash – especially one involving injury or loss of life – is both unlawful and deeply troubling. We urge the individual involved to come forward.”

— Erie Police Department (krdo.com)

“Even the smallest detail may assist investigators in bringing answers to the family. This remains an active investigation, and our priority is conducting a careful and thorough review of all available evidence to determine what occurred.”

— Erie Police Department (krdo.com)

What’s next

Police are continuing to review surveillance footage and evidence as part of the ongoing investigation, and are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Erie Police Department at (303) 441-4444.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run highlights the critical need for all drivers to remain at the scene of a collision, especially when a vulnerable road user like a young child is involved. The Erie community is calling for the responsible driver to come forward and for justice to be served in order to provide answers and closure for the victim's family.