Cumming Man Seriously Injures Child, 8, in Alleged Hit-and-Run

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office deputies have arrested a Cumming man they say injured an 8-year-old child in a felony hit-and-run.

Higinio Ruiz, 48, of Old Atlanta Road, allegedly was driving on the wrong side of the road and not paying attention when Monday, Oct. 21, about 10:45 p.m., his 1998 Ford Windstar struck the boy at a Holy Park mobile home park address, according to the accident report.

The child, who was seriously injured, was taken to Northside Hospital-Forsyth by his parents. The Cumming boy had been playing in the driveway with several other children and was standing "just off the driveway, 1-foot-4-inches off the driveway," when he was struck, according to the report.

Ruiz took the child to the front porch of the home, saying he had hit the boy and was sorry, then left without giving his personal or vehicle information, authorities say. He left without the van, which was registered in his name. It was removed by a towing company. 

Ruiz was arrested the next day, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at his home. He was charged with felony hit-and-run, serious injury by vehicle, driving without a license and reckless driving.

Tell us what you think in the comments, share your photos and videos, and don’t miss any of the local news you care about—subscribe to Cumming Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.