Indian-origin man, Rohitbhai Patel, charged with hit-and-run in Georgia; 3-year-old killed after wandering out of apartment at midnight

A three-year-old kid, Maxence, was run over by a speeding car on a Georgia road post-midnight after the kid wandered out of his family's apartment. 67-year-old Rohitbhai Patel, an Indian-origin man from Snelville, who was behind the wheel, was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run and second-degree vehicular homicide. The accident took place in the early morning hours of April 26. The cops reached the spot after they received a call about a missing three-year-old at an apartment complex located at 287 E Crogan Street.

As the cops started searching the area, they found the child unresponsive on a nearby road with injuries consistent with being struck by a car. Despite life-saving efforts, the child was pronounced dead. The car was not there. The cops launched an extensive investigation to pinpoint the car as a blue 2008 Honda CR-V.

The vehicle was found at a nearby warehouse and the authorities identified the suspected driver as Patel.

The family of the child launched a fundraiser for the funeral costs. "Maxence was a bright light in the lives of his family, full of curiosity, laughter, and a joy that filled every room he entered. He loved exploring the world around him, asking questions, and sharing his happiness with everyone he met. Tragically, this past Sunday, Maxence was taken from his loved ones in a single, unthinkable moment when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver. The silence left behind is overwhelming, and his family's hearts are broken beyond words," it said.

"As Maxence's family tries to navigate this unimaginable loss, they are asking for help with the unexpected expenses that have come with this tragedy, including funeral arrangements and related costs. The pain of losing a child is something no parent should ever have to endure, and the support of friends, family, and the community means everything right now. Your kindness will help ease the burden during this difficult time and allow Maxence's family to focus on honoring his memory," the fundraiser said.