CCPD: Truck seized, ‘person of interest developed’ in hit-and-run
Cape Coral Police have seized the truck investigators believe was involved in a hit-and-run that left a fatally injured 8-year-old lying along a Cape Coral roadway Monday morning as her brothers ran for help.
Layla E. Aiken was sitting on the edge of roadway on the northeast corner of Northeast 3rd Avenue and Northeast 19th Terrace waiting for her school bus when she was struck by a vehicle that “made the turn very sharply,” a release issued by the Cape Coral Police Department on Tuesday states.
The driver the “left the scene eastbound on NE 19th Terrace toward Andalusia Blvd without rendering aid or providing information” in the 6:18 a.m. collision.
Layla was taken to a local hospital via ambulance where she died as a result of her injuries.
“This vehicle is considered evidence and has been seized for investigative purposes,” the CCPD release states.
Information as to the driver is not yet available.
“A person of interest has also been developed but no further information about the identity will be released as the investigation is still in its infancy. The lead investigator and other Cape Coral Police personnel are working diligently to resolve this tragic case with the correct disposition based on the totality of the investigation as soon as possible.”
The agency, which is working with the State Attorney’s Office, has been collecting surveillance video from the area.
Anyone who may have video or other information about the case, is asked to contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223. The timeframe is between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on March 25.
To submit an anonymous tip visit www.capecops.com/tips or text a tip- text CCPD+”Your Message” to CRIMES (274637).
Anyone with information also can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Callers are asked to use Case Report # 19-005966.
A Facebook fundraiser, Love For Layla, has been set up.