Toddler fighting for his life after being hit by car in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A toddler is fighting for his life after being hit by a car Tuesday in Providence.

Providence police are causing it a tragic accident. Fifteen-month-old Justin Diaz Cabral was struck on Gillen Street at about 9:30 a.m. after a tenant, who lives in the same multi-family home as the toddler, backed over him and kept going. It wasn't until the driver made it to work that police made contact.

Commander Thomas Oates, said, "We believe at this point, obviously was not aware that the child was there and struck the child when they were leaving."

Osiel Parades-Lugo says he's a close relative of Cabral and said he just wandered out of his apartment after breakfast and that he "likes to be playing around."

Police say the boy's father went outside to look for him and discovered the toddler lying in the driveway. He scooped the boy up and took him to Hasbro Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He remains in critical condition.

Parades-Lugo says the boy was having surgery Tuesday. Residents say Cabral's family recently moved into the north side neighborhood and says the driver is a mother herself.

"It was just a tragedy. An accident and it's a disaster." neighbor Shaque Pina said.

Providence police are not charging the driver, but are still investigating. Her identity was not immediately released.

Cox Media Group