Gwinnett police investigating after toddler struck, killed by vehicle near Lawrenceville home

A nearly 2-year-old girl died Tuesday after apparently being struck by a vehicle in front of her Lawrenceville home.
 
The Gwinnett County Police Department Accident Investigation Unit is looking into the incident, which occurred just after 4 p.m. on Memory Lane off Club Drive.
 
Gwinnett Police Cpl. Michele Pihera said the unnamed girl was transported from the scene to Gwinnett Medical Center. She was later pronounced dead, but Pihera said the nature of the initial 9-1-1 call made it unclear whether the victim died at the scene or at the hospital.
 
Pihera said no arrests have been made in the case, as conflicting eyewitness reports have complicated the investigation.
 
"When officers arrived to the scene, the driver and the vehicle were not there," she explained. "Once they investigated the scene further, they found the person who they believe is the driver."
 
"The investigators are hearing conflicting information about what type of vehicle is involved," Pihera continued. "Once we are able to get a language interpreter out there, we might be able to figure out exactly what happened."
 
Although many details are unclear at this time, Pihera noted that a preliminary investigation of the scene revealed evidence of possibily separate collisions in the roadway and driveway of the home.
 
"The investigators are trying to figure out exactly what happened," she said. "Investigators are continuing to search for further evidence and information to determine the cause of this tragic incident."
 
While the investigation is in the early stages, Pihera said she expects charges to be filed in the case, regardless of the final determination regarding who is at fault.
 
"When the officers got to the scene, that driver did not stay...to call 9-1-1, to render services, to exchange information according to state law," she explained. "So I fully anticipate criminal charges."
 
Pihera added that investigations of this nature, especially one involving a young child, are often difficult for law enforcement and the community at large.
 
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they deal with this tragic loss."
 
More details, including the names of those involved, are expected to be released in the coming days.