Mother pleads for driver to turn himself in after 9-year-old hit in Southwest Philly

The boy suffered a broken femur and other injuries requiring surgery and physical therapy after being struck while crossing the street.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A 9-year-old boy was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident in Southwest Philadelphia on Saturday. The boy's mother is pleading for the driver, who briefly stopped but then fled the scene, to turn himself in to authorities. Police have released images of the suspected vehicle, described as a burgundy Honda Crosstour with mismatched parts, and are searching for the driver, described as a man between 25-35 years old with short hair and a beard.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of hit-and-run crashes, which can have devastating impacts on victims and their families. It also raises concerns about traffic safety and speeding in residential areas where children frequently play. The family's pleas for the driver to come forward underscore the importance of accountability in these types of cases.

The details

The crash occurred just before 12:30 pm on Saturday on the 2200 block of South 56th Street in Philadelphia. The 9-year-old boy was crossing the street after going to the store with his brothers when he was struck by a car that was speeding down the block. The driver briefly stopped, got out, and looked at the boy, but then left the scene after being told to stop by the boy's uncle. The boy suffered a broken femur, cuts, bruises, and injuries requiring plastic surgery on his lip. He will need months of physical therapy to recover.

  • The crash happened just before 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • The boy is still recovering at home and faces a long journey of surgeries and physical therapy.

The players

Kimyetta Demby

The mother of the 9-year-old boy who was hit by the car.

The driver

A man between 25 and 35 years old with short hair and a beard who was driving a burgundy Honda Crosstour with mismatched parts and fled the scene after briefly stopping.

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What they’re saying

“Just turn yourself in...just turn yourself in.”

— Kimyetta Demby, Mother of the injured boy (fox29.com)

“It was an accident. You made it more than was by just leaving him there.”

— Kimyetta Demby, Mother of the injured boy (fox29.com)

What’s next

Philadelphia police are continuing to search for the driver and vehicle involved in the hit-and-run incident. They have released images of the suspected vehicle and a description of the driver, and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater traffic safety measures and accountability in hit-and-run crashes, which can have devastating impacts on victims and their families. The family's pleas for the driver to turn himself in highlight the importance of taking responsibility and providing closure for those affected by such senseless acts.