Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sandra Yi Reporting The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office is still trying to figure out what happened to 13-year-old Demitry Ponder of Magna. They believe he is the victim of a hit and run.
The boy was on his way to jazz band practice at Matheson Junior High when someone found him lying in the road bleeding from his head and face. Authorities believe he is the victim of a hit and run.
The impact scattered some of his belongings. His shoe was found down the street, and his cell phone was crushed. Friends say Ponder rides a skateboard to school every morning.
A mother of one of his classmates was taking her child to school when she saw him on the road and another woman placing blankets on him.
Holly Monserret: "He couldn't speak. I think he has some pretty bad head injuries. He was pretty bad, pretty combative."
She rushed to Matheson Junior High where the boy attends school to try and get information to call his family.
She picked up his jazz band teacher who was expecting the 13 year-old drummer to arrive for practice.
Rose Eyre, victim's teacher: "He's a wonderful kid. Great drummer. It's really sad."
He was so badly injured, Eyre says paramedics had to cut his backpack off. His shoe landed down the street and his cell phone was crushed from the impact.
The 13-year-old was airlifted to Primary Children's Medical Center.
A spokesman with the Sheriff's Office says he is in very serious, possibly critical condition.
Paul Jarosack Police Information Officer: "At this point we're not sure what happened, don't have eyewitnesses."
Monserret lives a few streets over from where the boy was hit. She says people drive too fast down Adams Road and is not surprised this happened, especially early in the morning when it is still dark. But what she can't believe is that someone would leave a child.
Monserret: "I hope he is ok. I cannot believe someone could leave an accident."
Police believe the suspect was driving a white mini van.
Police say finding out exactly what happened can be challenging, especially if the vehicle involved doesn't stay at the scene or if there are no skid marks.
Also, without a license plate number or a witness, finding the driver can be difficult.
If you have any information, call the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.
