Local

Boy out of hospital after hit-and-run; search for driver continues

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A huge birthday gift for a little boy run over by a hit-and-run driver, this week: Justis Retamar was released from the hospital just in time for his 9th birthday.
 
"I'm just glad that I'm still alive," said the 9-year-old. 
 
He had fractured ribs, a broken pelvis, and a concussion after that crash on Idlewood Drive in east Charlotte.
 
His mother, who sat with him day and night at the hospital, knows things could have been much different.
 
"I just thank God my child is here and I'm not planning a funeral for my child," said Tiffany Moore. 
 
Justis was playing outside last week when he jumped onto this bike for a ride.  Witnesses said they saw a man driving an early model Ford Expedition slam into Justis.  They said the driver stopped briefly, but kept going.
 
A week later, police still haven't made an arrest.
 
Justis said he doesn't remember much from that accident, but he and his family said they're saddened that the person who hit him is still out there and could do the same thing again.
 
"First of all the guy did a bad thing.  He just hit a little kid and he didn't even stop, and he was supposed to stop if he saw me and he didn't."
 
Police said they've gotten some leads, but nothing significant.  If you have any information that will help call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Read our past story: 8-year-old suffers fractured ribs, concussion in hit-and-run