Child transferred to Macon after being hit by vehicle

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Albany officials confirm that a child was struck by a vehicle in the 600 block of West Society Avenue.

The call came in shortly before 10:45 Thursday morning, and the child was transported to Phoebe Putney for treatment.

The Albany Police Department said Thursday afternoon that Blake Springs, 20, was driving a 1997 Jeep Cherokee east on West Society Avenue, as Za'riyah McClendon, 23 months, was standing in front of the apartments near the street.

The child walked out into the street, and Springs hit the brakes but hit the child.

McClendon was later transported to Navicent in Macon for treatment of a head injury. McClendon is being treated in the pediatric intensive care unit.

WALB spoke with a neighbor who lives near the child's family, who said he was in tears as he held the little girl in his arms moments after she was hit.

"I got two kids. It can happen to my kids too. So I was crying. When the momma came I hugged the momma. They need to slow down on this street. They need to slow down. I say they really need to slow down," said Samuel Woart, a resident.

Right now, there's no word if any charges will be filed in the case. This crash remains under investigation.

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