3-Year-Old Killed By Vehicle After Wandering Onto Sheldon Road

WESTCHASE, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash involving a 3-year-old who was wandering down Sheldon Road during the early-morning hours Thursday.

On Thursday, just before 3:30 a.m., deputies responded to the report of a toddler who was struck by a vehicle in the northbound lane of Sheldon Road near Brennan Circle. The toddler was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and pronounced dead.

"This is a horrific scene even for our most seasoned deputies," said Sheriff Chad Chronister."As parents, the only place you expect your child should be at 3:30 a.m. is safe and sleeping in their bed. This is a nightmare for everyone involved."

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Meanwhile, the child's parents were already searching for the toddler.

"This is an incredibly populated area with several homes and apartment complexes," said Chronister."Our deputies were determined, and within one hour, they discovered an open door at the Valencia Apartments and realized the parents were looking for their child."