Family member, witness says two vehicles struck five-year-old boy
MILWAUKEE -- A vigil was held Monday evening, June 11th, for five-year-old Robert Torres Jr., who remained in critical condition after a hit-and-run crash that occurred on Saturday in the 4500 block of N. Teutonia Ave.
Police are still looking at least one driver and vehicle involved in the hit-and-run crash. Police say the impact of the crash ripped Torres from the grasp of a family member, who was holding hands with the boy as the two crossed the street.
New information released Monday suggests police may be looking for two vehicles.
Glen Franklin is Torres' cousin, and was walking with the boy at the time he was struck, along with Torres' sister. They were walking home from the park.
Franklin told FOX6 News Torres' was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, and then struck by a black vehicle as he was laying in the roadway.
"When I run down there, another black car run down behind me, miss me, and ran over his lower part," Franklin said.
Torres remained in critical condition at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin as of Monday. He is said to have suffered internal bleeding and damage to his lung and kidneys, and may have brain damage.
Family members were allowed to see the boy Monday morning.
"To see him laying there like that, it hurt. It hurt a lot, but once I talked to him he responds a lot. Robert, thank God, is doing a little better," said one of his cousins.
Torres' family says the fact that he is improving even slightly is good news. On Monday, the boy reportedly clutched a family member's hand.
Torres' family says they want the driver or drivers who struck the boy to come forward.
"You crushed our hearts. Please, be a man and come forth and take blame for what you did. He's five. He didn't deserve this at all. None, whatsoever," one family member said.
There are a lot of unanswered questions which is why police are asking for the public's help.
Police are looking for a four-door vehicle, possibly a tan GM model. The vehicle may have front end damage. The second vehicle that may be involved is a black car, driven by a woman.
Anyone with information is asked to call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360.
Monday evening, family, friends and strangers gathered for a vigil to pray for the boy. FOX6 News spoke with Torres' mother, Roneeka Broom, who said she was at work at the time the boy was hit. Torres' mother urged the individual(s) responsible for the hit-and-run crash to come forward, to give the family closure.
"(The vigil) made me feel like everybody loves my son," Broom said.
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