Cops seek help in finding motorist

Crime Stoppers regularly runs public service notices in local media outlets.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- City police are hoping greater exposure of details of a hit-skip accident will help lead them to the person responsible.
Patrolman John Marhulik, traffic officer for the Niles Police Department, said he's been in contact with officials from Crime Stoppers of Greater Youngstown to get out to a larger audience details from the Aug. 16 accident that left 10-year-old Annie Lee of Warren hospitalized.
Crime Stoppers of Greater Youngstown regularly runs public service announcements in The Vindicator and on local television stations with descriptions of crimes and/or criminals to aid local police departments in their investigations.
Niles police have received some leads and tips in the case, but the investigation continues.
What happened
According to reports, Annie was crossing U.S. Route 422 at North Road with her grandmother and 3-year-old brother when a gray, sports utility-style vehicle struck her. Annie remains hospitalized for her injuries, but her relatives were not injured.
The vehicle left the scene, traveling west on Route 422 toward Warren.
Although witnesses at the scene were unable to provide a license plate number or a description of the driver, Marhulik said police are specifically looking for a Mazda Tribute or a Ford Escape with front-end damage.
"Debris collected at the scene is consistent with parts used in those two vehicles only," he said.
Officers found a left, front headlight assembly at the scene, reports show.
Typically, tipsters to Crime Stoppers are given reward money for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of people accused of felonies in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. The program offers up to $1,000 in reward money for information.
Anyone with information on the accident can contact Marhulik at the Niles police Department at (330) 652-9944 or Crime Stoppers at (330) 746-CLUE (2583).
slshaulis@vindy.com