8-year-old girl struck in Camden hit-and-run

CAMDEN, NJ (WTXF) - An 8-year-old girl survived a hit-and-run in Camden and as police search for the driver who took off she and her mother are speaking exclusively to FOX 29 about what happened.

"I was at work and they called me. I was at work and then they called me and I just can't believe it. I thought that she was joking."

Josetta will never forget the terrifying moment when she learned her 8-year-old daughter Lizah was hit by a car that never stopped. Surveillance video shows the car just before impact.

Police say the crash happened at Ferry Avenue and Phillips Street in Camden last Tuesday evening. Cops say the driver of what they believe to be a gray Ford Fusion was speeding when it struck Lizah as she crossed the street.

"It's hard for me because I never knew this was going to happen to me and I never thought this was going to happen to me and I didn't plan for it to happen to me. If this happens to somebody else I know I can feel their pain because I'm in pain right now," Lizah said.

She's on crutches now after a stay in the hospital, but her hurt continues.

"It's two bruises on my foot and there's a bruise on my face and my toes. It's hard and I'm just a little girl so it's much harder for me," Lizah explained.

Police say someone knows something.

"There are plenty of people in that area so we are hoping that someone in that area does recognize that vehicle or maybe even the person who's driving that vehicle," Camden County Police Department Lt. Julio Rios said.

In the meantime, Josetta has something to say to that driver who left her daughter in pain:"May God have mercy on your soul because at the end of the day you're the one who's going to have to live with this. Not me and it's easier and it's going to be better for you if you just turn yourself in."