MESA, Ariz. (AP) - A woman driving on an Arizona’s learner’s permit without a licensed driver in the vehicle was arrested Wednesday in connection with a hit-and-run accident that critically injured a 7-year-old boy, police said.
Maria De Jesus Cabrera Davila, 23, was booked into jail on suspicion of failure to remain at the scene of a serious injury collision. Police said they did not know if she has a lawyer yet.
A probable cause statement made public by police said Davila holds only a learner’s permit.
The boy was walking across a road when he was hit, police said.
Davila told officers that she stopped her vehicle, but was afraid she had killed the child and “left the scene because she panicked,” court records said.
The woman later called a relative who advised her to return to the accident scene. She did and was arrested after being questioned by police.
Authorities did not identify the boy, but said he was taken to a Mesa hospital with a head injury and a cervical fracture.
Police said impairment does not appear to have been a factor in the accident.
Drivers using learning permits must have a licensed driver with them while driving.
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