Driver in hit-and-run that killed 4-year-old boy turns self in

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The driver in a hit-and-run that killed a 4-year-old boy back in April turned herself in Wednesday morning according to the Philadelphia Police Department.

27-year-old Shanika Mason from Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania turned herself in to police at 11:00 a.m. and was subsequently charged with Homicide by Vehicle, Accident Involving Death, and Involuntary Manslaughter.

Authorities have confirmed that the female suspect involved in the fatal hit and run in Kingsessing Monday, April 13, is expected to turn herself in. The Accident Investigation Division said Wednesday morning, April 15, that they received a call from the woman's attorney last night, letting them know she would turn herself in.

As of Thursday morning, April 16, the driver has yet to turn herself in, as police continue to search the vehicle believed to be involved in a hit-and-run that killed a 4-year-old boy was recovered in Center City on Tuesday night.

According to police, the child was struck on the 1600 S. 57th Street in the city's Kingsessing section around 6:30 p.m. Monday April 13. The child was transported to CHOP where he was pronounced dead. According to police, a black SUV driven by a female was seen fleeing northbound on 57th Street. On Tuesday, police identified the victim as 4-year old Abdul Wilson.

Surveillance cameras from a Chinese take-out store on South 57th Street in Southwest Philadelphia captured the heart-stopping hit-and-run. The video shows a 4-year-old boy running across the street. Seconds later, the videos shows, a SUV hit the boy. According to the video, the driver hits him a second time, appearing to try and swerve.

"My first reaction was I was shocked and I started getting really nervous," said Raysa Cespedes.

Raysa Cespedes works at a food market just feet away and ran outside when she saw people running.

"I just went to down there to see what had happened and I just saw the little kid laying there covered in blood," she explained.

Cespedes, a soon to be mother, cringes at the thought of how the child died.

"It kind of made me think what if that were my child it was really hard for me to think that because I would never imagine seeing my child out there. It was really horrible," she told FOX 29.

Police are reminding drivers that this is the time of year to be extra cautious.

"This time of year we're going to have these youngsters out. Its' nice out. It's spring time. They're going to run in the street but people have the responsibility to stop. It's usually just an accident," said Captain John Wilczynski with Philadelphia Police Accident Investigations Division.

The surveillance video and witness information gave police a good lead. The car may be a black, limited edition Ford Edge between year 2011 and 2014.

"What's unique about the car is it's an all chrome front and has one inch of chrome going from the front to the back which means it's some kind of custom made vehicle," said Captain Wilczynski.

Neighbors hope the driver is caught soon.

"It's a sin the way people are doing people nowadays. It's just crazy," said a woman named Maryann.

"I'm just here paying my respects and saying a prayer. I didn't know the family but my heart goes out to them," said Kim Trapp.

This is a developing story, please stay with FOX 29 for updates.