Child struck by hit-and-run driver in El Cajon

A 12-year-old boy was critically injured when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver Wednesday evening in El Cajon, police said.

The collision took place on Ballantyne Street near East Park Avenue around 8 p.m., police said.

Paramedics and police officers found the boy in the roadway suffering from major head trauma. The driver who hit him, believed to be in a white or silver SUV, didn’t stop after the crash, police Lt. Joe Crawford said in a news release.

The boy was rushed to a hospital, where he was reported to be in critical condition.

Police are asking the public for help to identify the vehicle, which likely has front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to call El Cajon police at  619-579-3311.