Police: Toddler struck and killed on Staples Mill Road after wandering away from residence

A two-year-old girl wandered away from her home Thursday night into eastbound traffic on Staples Mill Road, where she was struck by a passing vehicle, according to Henrico Police. She later died at a local hospital.

Police officials have launched an investigation to determine how she left her home.

The incident happened at about 10:43 p.m. on Staples Mill Road near Townhouse Road. The toddler was truck by a Honda, whose driver stopped and remained on scene. When officers arrived, they found the toddler with obvious signs of trauma.

Speed and alcohol do not appear to have been factors in the crash, according to police.

“We are at a loss for words about what unfolded last night,” said Henrico County Police Division Assistant Chief Lauren Edwards. “Any time a crash or violent crime ends in a death is a horrible result, but to have a child as the victim is even more difficult to comprehend. Our detectives are trained to thoroughly investigate each case they are assigned, and that will continue in this instance as our community tries to heal from this tragic event.”

The preliminary investigation indicates that the toddler had been left in the care of a babysitter, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Henrico Police Crash Team Investigator Ofc. B. Jennings at (804) 501-5000 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or by using P3tips.com.