Mother of 4-year-old boy hit by SUV in hit-and-run in Pittsburgh speaks out after suspect is charged

Police say the man who hit a 4-year-old boy with an SUV and then drove away is in custody but the victim’s mother says the recovery process is not over yet.

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“I can’t sleep. Every time I look at my son, I see him lying on the ground. I’m so glad it turned out better than what it could have,” said Shawtae Averytt, the boy’s mother.

She said he son was struck by the vehicle while crossing on Webster Avenue Thursday afternoon. The driver took off.

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Police say the driver was 74-year-old James Phelps. He turned himself in on Sunday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Meanwhile, Averytt’s son Elijah, is recovering inside Children’s Hospital. His mother said he is walking and talking.

“[He] understands what happened. He knows he was hit by a car,” said Averytt.

Elijah has a concussion and a few broken bones but he could be cleared to go home at any time.

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