WARREN Boy hit by SUV returns home

Authorities are still searching for the vehicle.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A 5-year-old boy seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver Sunday is home from the hospital.
MarQuis Gary, of 984 Glenwood, spent most of Wednesday snuggled next to his mother, Sheanita Smith.
"I wanted to be home," a sleepy MarQuis said. "I just want to be with my family and I want a few Power Ranger toys."
MarQuis' homecoming was a welcome surprise for his grandmother, Barbara Thornton.
"I couldn't believe he was home," Thornton said. "I just went outside and I saw my daughter getting out of her car, carrying him. I'm so happy."
MarQuis was struck by a green Ford Explorer about 8 p.m. Sunday while riding his bike across the street from his home.
MarQuis spent two days in the intensive-care unit of a Youngstown hospital. He has bruising on his brain, family members say.
No arrest has been made in the case.
Police continue their search for the vehicle.
"It's difficult because we do not have a license plate number," Sgt. Larry Salvato said.
Criticism for police
Thornton and Fred Harris, the city's safety-service director, were critical of the police for not notifying the press sooner than they did.
Thornton felt the quicker the information was out in the public, the better chance police would have of catching the driver.
Thornton began contacting the press Monday afternoon.
"There must have been some foul-up," Salvato said, noting he was not at work Sunday or Monday.
Thornton said she has been pleased with the work Salvato and Patrol Officer Ben Harrell are doing.
"I am also very thankful for Mayor Hank Angelo and Fred Harris," Thornton said. "They came here and told me they are very concerned about what happened. I couldn't believe they came here. That was so nice."
Near where MarQuis was hit, the city has erected signs urging drivers to slow down.
An account has been established at Cortland Banks to help MarQuis' family with the medical bills.
sinkovich@vindy.com