Suspected driver in Lowell hit-and-run speaks out

LOWELL, Mass. -- The driver suspected in Monday's hit-and-run accident in Lowell is speaking out about how sorry she is about the crash.

The 17-year-old female suspect told 7News that she was not racing or drag racing as witnesses had said, but that she was driving from school to a local college where she is applying.

Kelvin Savanhmixay, 12, was in the crosswalk on Riverside Street -- Route 113 -- near School Street and Mammoth Road around 2:30 p.m. when he was hit.

Savanhmixay was thrown more than 20 feet after being struck and was taken to Lowell General Hospital. He was later flown to Children's Hospital in Boston with serious injuries.

Witnesses said the car just kept going.

"I feel horrible. I hope he's doing ok. I hope his family is ok," said 17-year-old suspect who did not wish to be identified. "I just heard something hit my windshield and I panicked. And I took off."

She insists that she was driving the speed limit and that she had a green light.

Witnesses have said that she was moving fast.

"I thought somebody threw a coat out of their car and when I ever saw him bounce down on the ground, I said to my son, ‘My God that's a kid,'" said Barbara Winegar, a witness.

The driver said she turned herself in the next day when she saw news reports of the crash.

Savanhmixay's stepfather said he does not know if he buys the teen's whole story, but he is somewhat relieved.

"If she did come forward and admit whatever, I do feel a little bit better. You don't want harm for any other human being either but you know, I just want them to pay for what they did," said Danny, the boy's stepfather.

The suspect's father said he wants to make things right.

"She meant no harm. It was a freak accident. It was, she panicked and I just, I hope and pray for the boy, I hope the boy gets better," said the driver's father.

The 17-year-old told 7News in a tearful interview that "it was a true accident."

The 12-year-old victim is still in the hospital, but his condition is improving.

The teen's family said they believe she will be charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

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