The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is requesting the community's help in locating a vehicle allegedly involved in the hit-and-run that resulted in the death of Mariana Espinoza, a six-year-old girl, on Friday, October 23, east of Charlotte.
Investigators are searching for a gray Mercedes-Benz C250, model year 2012-2015, with significant damage to the front grille. The car was last seen traveling north on Barrington Drive after its driver fled the scene of the accident.
According to description disseminated by the CMPDThe vehicle has a sunroof, black rims, a black or matte-finish gas tank cap, and was carrying a temporary license plate at the time of the accident.
Police are asking anyone who recognizes him or has information about his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.
Mariana was hit by a car while crossing a street
The tragic event occurred on Friday, October 23, at approximately 3:21 pm, in the 7000 block of Barrington Drive, near the intersection with Lanecrest Drive, east of Charlotte.
A video released by the police shows the scene moments before the accident, where a school bus can be seen dropping off a group of children. Moments later, Mariana is hit by a bus as she tries to cross the street.
The intersection is located about three and a half blocks from the school the minor attended.
According to the preliminary investigation, Mariana was trying to cross Barrington Drive when she was hit by a vehicle whose driver did not stop and fled the scene.
When officers arrived, they found the child with serious injuries. MEDIC paramedics rushed her to a local hospital due to life-threatening injuries. However, on Saturday, October 24, police were notified that the girl had died from the injuries she sustained when she was struck by a vehicle.
The school community mourns the death of Mariana
Mariana was a student at Devonshire Elementary School, part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), where there is a large population of students of Hispanic origin.
Tom Miner, CMS deputy spokesman, expressed the school district's condolences to Mariana's family.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of a student from Devonshire Elementary School,” Miner said.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and the entire Devonshire Primary School community. We share in the grief of all those affected by this heartbreaking loss,” the spokesperson added.
CMS reported that it is working with school officials to ensure support for students, families, and employees during the coming days and asked that the family's privacy be respected.
Neighbors recount moments of anguish after the hit-and-run
According to a WCNC reportResidents of the area where the accident occurred described scenes of desperation as emergency teams tried to save the girl's life.
Security cameras from nearby homes captured images of the area and the moments after the accident. In one of the recordings, several people can be seen running toward the scene to help the girl.
One of the witnesses told the channel that he saw rescuers trying to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and administer oxygen, and also described the pain of the family members who were near the scene.
Other residents expressed concern about road safety in the neighborhood and fear that a similar tragedy could affect their own families.
To provide information about this case
Detectives from the CMPD's Serious Accident Investigation Unit continue to gather evidence to clarify the circumstances of the hit-and-run and identify the person who was driving the vehicle.
Authorities reiterated that any information, no matter how small, could help locate the car involved.
Anyone with information about this case can contact the following numbers:
- 911: if they have immediate information about the vehicle's location.
- Detective Worthy: 704-432-2169, extension 4.
- Crime Stoppers: 704-334-1600, to provide information anonymously.
Police report number: 20261023-1521-00
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