Clayton News Daily

By Mehgaan Jones

mjones@news-daily.com

Morrow police are searching for the male driver of a Lexus SUV, who was involved in a hit-and-run accident, Sunday, that left a 7-year-old child critically injured.

According to Captain James Callaway, of the Morrow Police Department, the suspect was originally thought to be Gustavo Franquez, 38 , who was questioned by police, and released.

Police said they are currently looking for Franquez' brother, Alvelaro Franquez, 34, who recently purchased the SUV from Gustavo Franquez.

Authorities said that the child, Damian Dennis, was unconscious when paramedics responded to the crash, which occurred just before 6:30 a.m., Sunday. Dennis was rushed to Southern Regional Medical Center, in Riverdale, then airlifted to Egleston Children's Hospital, in Atlanta, according to police.

"He was listed in critical condition earlier today, and has been upgraded to stable condition at Egleston," Callaway said on Monday. The child's mother, Latarsha Jagne, was treated at Southern Regional Medical Center and released, he added.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Jonesboro Road and Southlake Plaza Drive, when the SUV allegedly rear-ended Jagne's vehicle, then continued southbound, Callaway said.

"The suspect got out of his vehicle, looked at the damage and continued on," said Callaway.

He said police have been checking tow yards, wrecker companies and body shops for a 1997 Lexus LX 450, with the tag number: BVQ-3081, and extreme front-end damage.

Anyone with information in the case, is asked to call the Morrow Police Department at (770) 961-4000, or (770) 961-4006.