Auburndale Police Chief Andy Ray discussed a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash that occurred within the intersection of U.S. Highway 92 and Havendale Blvd. during a press conference with local media.
Auburndale Police are investigating the death of a 6-year-old girl on Wednesday morning after she was hit by a vehicle.
Police Chief Andy Ray confirmed that the young girl, identified as Ra’nesha Jackson, was hit and killed by a vehicle at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Havendale Boulevard, where U.S. 92 splits at downtown Auburndale, just before 6:30 a.m.
Ray said Jackson was not on her way to school and police are speaking with her parents to “get to the bottom of” why she was out by herself.
Ray said the driver who struck Jackson didn’t immediately realize he hit her and was flagged down by the driver of a semi about three miles down the road. Ray said the driver turned around and returned to the scene.
The driver’s vehicle had dashcam video, which police are also reviewing. Chief Ray said the driver was not reckless and was actually going below the speed limit at the time. Police say charges are not anticipated at this time for the driver.
The Chief said his focus is on finding out why Jackson was out alone at that time of the morning.