14-year-old girl fatally struck in West Philly hit-and-run, police say

A 14-year-old girl who was crossing the street with her mother was killed in a hit-and-run in West Philadelphia, Inspector Michael Gormley of the Philadelphia Police Department said.

The hit-and-run happened on the 6500 block of Haverford Avenue just before 9:45 p.m. Thursday.

The 14-year-old girl, identified as Dawn Watson, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Gormley said police are searching for a dark gray Mercedes sedan with heavy damage that fled the scene.

Gormley said the 14-year-old girl and her mother were coming back from the store with groceries at the intersection of Haverford Avenue and 66th Street before the hit-and-run. As the two crossed the street, Gormley said the 14-year-old girl was struck by the Mercedes traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed.

Police released surveillance video Friday from a nearby surveillance video that captured the moments before Watson was killed.

Gormley said there weren't any witnesses of the incident besides the 14-year-old's mother, who was distraught following the crash.

A small memorial has since been set up for Dawn.

The hit-and-run is under investigation.