Driver Arrested After Fort Pierce Hit-and-Run Leaves 7-Year-Old Seriously Injured

A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a 7-year-old child who was crossing a Fort Pierce roadway with another child, according to the Fort Pierce Police Department.

Police said surveillance footage showed the driver get out of his vehicle and check on the children after the collision before returning to his car and leaving the scene.

The injured child has since been released from the hospital and is recovering.

What Happened in the Fort Pierce Hit-and-Run?

According to the Fort Pierce Police Department, the crash happened at approximately 8:55 p.m. on August 1, 2026, at the intersection of North 25th Street and Avenue M.

Surveillance video reportedly captured two children crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk.

As the children crossed, a vehicle struck one of them.

The victim, a 7-year-old child, suffered what authorities described as serious injuries.

According to police, the surveillance footage showed the driver stop and exit his vehicle following the collision.

The driver reportedly checked on the children but then returned to his vehicle and drove away, leaving them in the intersection.

Police Identify and Arrest Driver

Investigators worked to identify the vehicle involved in the collision and ultimately identified the suspected driver as Demetris Johnson, 34, according to police.

Johnson was arrested on Wednesday, August 12.

Police said he was charged with:

• Leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury.
• Driving with a suspended license.

The charges are allegations, and Johnson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Fort Pierce Police Department said its investigation remains ongoing.

7-Year-Old Released From Hospital

Despite suffering serious injuries in the collision, police provided an encouraging update regarding the child’s condition.

The 7-year-old has been released from the hospital and is now recovering, according to authorities.

Additional information about the nature of the child’s injuries or whether long-term medical treatment will be necessary has not been publicly released.

Florida Drivers Must Remain at the Scene of a Crash

Crashes involving injuries carry legal responsibilities for motorists.

Under Florida law, a driver involved in a collision resulting in injury or death generally must stop, remain at the scene, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance when necessary.

Leaving the scene can result in serious criminal charges, particularly when another person suffers significant injuries or dies.

A hit-and-run can also make an already traumatic situation more dangerous by delaying access to emergency assistance.

Pedestrians in Crosswalks Are Particularly Vulnerable

According to police, the two children were using a marked crosswalk when the collision occurred.

Pedestrian crashes can cause devastating injuries even at relatively low vehicle speeds because pedestrians have virtually no physical protection from the force of an impact.

When children are involved, the consequences can be especially severe.

Florida drivers approaching intersections and crosswalks should remain alert for pedestrians and be prepared to slow or stop when required.

Criminal Charges and Civil Liability Are Separate Issues

The criminal case against the driver and any potential personal injury claim arising from the collision are separate legal matters.

Criminal proceedings focus on whether a person violated Florida’s criminal laws. A civil personal injury case generally focuses on whether negligence caused another person’s injuries and what compensation may be available as a result.

A criminal conviction is not necessarily required for an injured pedestrian to pursue a civil claim.

The evidence developed during the police investigation could nevertheless become important in determining what occurred.

Potential Compensation After a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

When a child suffers serious injuries because of another person’s negligence, the resulting damages can extend far beyond the initial emergency room visit.

Depending on the circumstances and the injuries involved, a claim may seek compensation for losses such as:

• Emergency medical treatment.
• Hospitalization.
• Surgery and specialist care.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• Future medical expenses.
• Pain and suffering.
• Permanent injuries or scarring.
• Disability or impairment.
• Psychological and emotional effects.
• Other damages available under Florida law.

Because the victim in this case is a minor, additional legal considerations may apply to the handling and resolution of any potential injury claim.

What Happens When a Hit-and-Run Driver Is Identified?

Finding the suspected driver can significantly affect an injured person’s options following a hit-and-run.

Investigators and attorneys may be able to determine whether the driver had applicable automobile insurance and whether the vehicle was owned by another person or entity.

Depending on the facts, other insurance coverage may also become relevant.

The driver’s alleged suspended-license status does not by itself establish whether insurance coverage existed at the time of the crash.

Preserving Surveillance Video and Other Evidence

The reported surveillance footage appears to have played an important role in the Fort Pierce Police Department’s investigation.

Video evidence can be particularly valuable in pedestrian crashes because it may show:

• Whether the pedestrian was within a crosswalk.
• The traffic signal or right-of-way.
• The vehicle’s direction of travel.
• The driver’s actions before impact.
• The location of the collision.
• Whether the driver stopped afterward.
• The vehicle’s make, model, or other identifying characteristics.

Other potentially important evidence could include additional surveillance recordings, vehicle damage, witness statements, crash-scene photographs, cell phone records where legally obtainable, and information collected from the vehicle itself.

Promptly preserving video can be important because some surveillance systems automatically overwrite older footage.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The Fort Pierce Police Department continues to investigate the August 1 collision.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the department.

Although the collision left a young child with serious injuries, police say the 7-year-old has now been released from the hospital and is recovering.

We wish the child continued strength and a full recovery following this frightening incident.