Child critically injured in Butler County hit-and-run crash

35-year-old Dayton man arrested after fleeing the scene

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:04pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged bicycle tire and frame, the twisted metal and rubber conveying the violence of the collision in a stark, gritty aesthetic.The aftermath of a hit-and-run crash that left a child critically injured, exposing the harsh realities of road safety failures.Today in Dayton

A child was critically injured and a 35-year-old Dayton man was arrested after a hit-and-run crash in Butler County, Ohio on Friday evening. The child was struck while riding a bicycle and was airlifted to Cincinnati Children's Hospital in critical but stable condition. The driver, Thomas Harris, fled the scene but was later identified by a witness and apprehended by police.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes, especially those involving children, are a serious public safety concern in the region. This incident highlights the need for greater driver accountability and awareness to protect vulnerable road users like bicyclists.

The details

According to police, the Middletown Communications Center received a report of an injury crash around 5:48 pm at the intersection of Breiel Boulevard and Lefferson Road. The child on a bicycle was suffering potentially life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital before being airlifted to Cincinnati Children's. A witness was able to identify the vehicle driven by Thomas Harris, 35, of Dayton, who had fled the scene. Police later located and arrested Harris, booking him on charges of aggravated vehicular assault, second OVI within 10 years, and fleeing the scene.

  • The crash occurred around 5:48 pm on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • The child was airlifted to Cincinnati Children's Hospital in critical but stable condition.

The players

Thomas Harris

A 35-year-old man from Dayton, Ohio who was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that critically injured a child.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital

The hospital where the critically injured child was airlifted and is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

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What’s next

The crash remains under investigation by the Middletown Police Department. Thomas Harris is expected to appear in court next week to face charges related to the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of driver responsibility and the need for greater road safety measures to protect vulnerable road users like bicyclists. The community will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds and the legal process moves forward.