Toddler fights for her life, after being run over by step-uncle

CBS FRESNO- A toddler is fighting for her life, after getting run over by an SUV on Tuesday morning. Fresno Police say the child’s step-uncle, 33-year old Eddie Alvarado, accidentally ran her over, but never reported it to authorities.

Police said after 24-month old Zayliah Medina was ran over by Alvarado, her mother rushed the child to Community Regional Medical Center in Downtown Fresno. But, police said the mother 20-year old Diamante Miranda, never called police to report the accident.

“The mother stated that she did not want to get her step-brother in trouble,” said Chief Jerry Dyer.

Dyer said Alvarado also never reported the collision, which took place at a home near Fruit and California Avenues.

“Alvarado initially stated that another vehicle had struck the child, that it was not him, however when he was confronted with the possibility that there was in fact video, he too changed his story and confessed,” Dyer stated at a press conference on Wednesday.

Dyer said Alvarado was located on Tuesday night in Madera, after the Madera Police Department had been called to a house regarding a disturbance. There, officers found Alvarado suffering from injuries to his face. They believe he may have been assaulted in retaliation for running over the child. Alvarado was booked into the Fresno County Jail on Wednesday morning. He faces charges including felony hit and run, and police said he was unlicensed. Medina was transferred to Valley Children’s Hospital where she is listed in critical condition.

Dyer commented, “She has severe head trauma, trauma to her spine, she has significant internal injuries, as well as several broken bones.”

The Chief calls this incident “preventable”, and said it serves as a reminder to parents to pay close attention to young children. However, he still questions why no one called police.

“Had he [Alvarado] just simply called the police department and reported the collision, that would have been the end of this. He would not have been arrested,” ended Dyer.