Bradenton Man Reportedly Confesses to Hit And Run

A Bradenton man turned himself in Wednesday night for a hit-and-run accident that killed a 5-year-old girl and injured her teenage aunt.

Kieron W. James went to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Wednesday night, more than 48 hours after the crash that killed Kimora Samuel, 5, and seriously injured her aunt, Richecar Polinice, 15, of Bradenton.

James told deputies he wanted to turn himself in, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol. James later told FHP officers that he was driving the car that hit the two girls Monday evening near the Mira Lagos Apartments, at 358 34th Ave Dr E.

James is being held in the Manatee County Jail, in lieu of a $250,000 bond, on a charge of failing to stop for an accident involving a death. He is also charged with failing to stop for an accident involving a serious injury and driving while his license was suspended.

The two girls were crossing U.S. 41 just south of 34th Ave East, near the DeSoto Square Mall. James turned left onto U.S. 41 when the front of the vehicle hit the two girls, according to FHP reports.

Richecar was thrown into the center turn lane of U.S. 41 and Kimora's body went into the left, southbound lane of U.S. 41.

James drove away from the scene, leaving the two bodies in the roadway. Two other vehicles were traveling south on U.S. 41 in the left lane. Both vehicles were unable to avoid the 5-year-old and drove over her body, but the tires did not make contact.

Kimora died at the scene of the crash. Richecar was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where she was treated. She has since been released from the hospital.