A 13-year-old boy riding a bicycle was critically injured in a hit-and-run traffic crash on U.S 41 in Ruskin Saturday night, officials said.
A green 2000 to 2006 Chevrolet Suburban was headed south on U.S. 41 in the inside lane when 13-year-old Cameron Fuller of Ruskin attempted to cross the road on his bicycle.
The Chevy SUV failed to stop after it collided with the bicycle on U.S. 41 south of State Road 674 shortly before 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Cameron was flown to Tampa General Hospital for treatment.
"We just want our brother home," cried Desiree McNeeley, Cameron's sister.
"God I miss him so much," also cried Cameron's other sister Devin.
The girls along with their mother Natasha Wood have kept vigil at the hospital. They took a break only so they could share this plea.
"We need justice," said Devin.
They want to find the SUV driver who left Cameron for dead less than a mile from their home. The family found out after a neighbor knocked on their door.
"I was in shock, I thought I was going to pass out," said Wood.
By the the time they got to the intersection at US 41 in Ruskin, crews had already airlifted Cameron to the hospital.
"They got him on a breathing machines and he has got all these breathing tube's and stuff in him," said Wood.
He can't open his eyes but Wood knows her son can hear her.
"I told him mom loves you peanut you have to pull through this," said Wood.
The family is convinced he'll survive because Cameron's already beat the odds.
A preemie born weighing only 1.9 pounds doctors said he wouldn't make it. But after 6 months in the hospital they brought him home and expect to do that again
"I have a lot of faith and hope that he will come to us and be ok," said Devin.
And they want the driver to be held accountable.
Troopers are gathering evidence and that may even include surveillance video from nearby businesses. But Cameron's family feels the best hope could be someone out there listening to their plea and call authorities
"Please my little brother Cameron did not deserve for this to happen to him," said Devin.
"You know anything anything helps," cried Desiree.
Troopers believe the Chevrolet Suburban should have damage near the left front headlight.
If you have any information call Florida Highway Patrol at (813) 631-4020.
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is also offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
You can call remain anonymous and call 1-800-873-tips or report information online at www.crimestopperstb.com.
