Hit-and-run driver smashes into little boy playing outside. He’s now in a coma and the driver is on the run

An 8-year-old Georgia boy is in a coma after a car plowed him down Monday, then fled the scene. Authorities are currently searching for the driver.

Marietta Daily Journal reports that Eesah Johnson is in critical condition and on life support at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, after a speeding driver smashed into him “out of nowhere” on Monday afternoon, at around 3:45 p.m.

According to the boy’s grandmother, Raquel Young, Eesah and two other children were walking together near Labelle Elementary School in Marietta when the incident occurred. As the children crossed Olive Springs Road, Eesah was hit and sustained a life-threatening head injury.

“The car came out of nowhere, speeding, and hit Eesah. My son called me right away, about 3:45 that evening, and said Eesah had got hit,” Young told the outlet. “He’s just a baby. He’s 8 years old. He’s innocent and God’s gift, and I don’t know how somebody could hit someone and just continue to drive.”

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Spokesperson for the Cobb County Police Department, Officer Neil Penirelli, said that an active investigation is ongoing, but so far, no details about the vehicle have been released. Young said she hopes security cameras in the area can shed some details about the vehicle and driver.

In the meantime, the little boy’s family is pleading for the driver to come forward. They’re also asking anyone in the community or in the area of Olive Springs Road on Monday afternoon to contact police if they have any information.

The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

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[Feature Photo: Esah Johnson/Handout]