14-year-old girl injured in hit-and-run near Lincoln middle school, police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A 14-year-old girl was hit by a vehicle Wednesday morning while walking to school, Lincoln Police say.

Around 7:50 a.m., the teen was in the crosswalk at 67th Street and Walker Avenue while on her way to Mickle Middle School.

A gold vehicle initially stopped at the crosswalk but started driving while the student was crossing the street, according to police.

“It’s definitely very worrisome because it could happen to anyone’s children, even if we’re dropping them across the street,” said Anet Freehling, a parent of a seventh grader at Mickle.

Police said the girl suffered a minor injury to her left wrist.

The vehicle drove away without stopping, according to LPD.

An investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to call police at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.

The school’s principal, Jason Shanahan, sent a letter to Mickle families:

We want to make you aware of an accident outside before school this morning. There is a chance your child is not aware anything happened, but we want to prepare you with information in case your child comes home with questions or concerns.

A parent called 9-1-1 and our office reporting they witnessed a student struck by a vehicle during arrival. The vehicle drove away without stopping, and the student proceeded into the school building. Our staff worked to identify the student and have them checked-out by emergency responders and our health office. We have contacted the student’s family.

Our School Resource Officer will continue to investigate the accident. If you have any information that would assist in this investigation, we ask that you please call Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000. 

School safety takes a community. If you or your student see anything unsafe, please contact Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000, or use the green Safe to Say button on our website. 

Thank you for your collaboration in keeping our school safe.

Neighbors and parents said this is a wake-up call.

One mom who lives across the street said this intersection gets messy during school pickup.

She is calling for stronger safety measures like crossing guards and flashing signs.

Freehling said parents also need to slow down.

“There is a protocol on how kids should be dropped off, but of course it’s not followed; parents don’t follow it,” she said. “People are just in a hurry to get their children, which I completely understand. People just want to get here and get out, but you just have to make sure you’re following safety.”

The woman who lives across the street from the school said a few years ago, a child got hit in her driveway.

She said it’s not only the responsibility of the children to stay street smart, but also drivers.

Parents are urging the driver in the crash to come forward.

“First of all, I know you know what you did this morning is wrong,” Freehling said. “It is a little kid at the end of the day, so you know that’s someone’s child.”