Fort Worth Police Hunt Hit-and-Run Driver After 8-Year-Old Boy Struck While Biking
On September 5, 2025, an 8-year-old boy named Liam Park was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident at an apartment complex in Fort Worth, Texas, prompting a police search for the fleeing driver. The child, who was riding his bicycle outside his family’s home, remains hospitalized but is expected to recover, and he has since spoken out about the ordeal. As of September 11, 2025, no arrests have been made, and authorities are urging the public for tips to identify the suspect.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred around 8 p.m. in the 3200 block of Medford Avenue, near the Villas at River East apartment complex. According to witnesses, including Park’s friends who were playing nearby, a black SUV struck the boy while he was biking in a parking area. The impact threw him several feet, causing severe abrasions to his face and arms, extensive bruising across his body, and other injuries. The driver briefly exited the vehicle to check on Park before fleeing the scene without providing information or calling for help.
Park’s mother, Baylea Christiansen, rushed to the scene after his friends alerted her. She described finding her son “screaming and covered in blood,” and he was immediately transported to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth for treatment. The boy underwent surgery for his injuries and has been released from the hospital but continues to recover at home.
In a video interview aired by Fox News on September 10, 2025, the resilient 8-year-old broke his silence, recounting the terrifying moment: “I was riding my bike, and then a car hit me.” He expressed relief at surviving but emphasized the pain and fear he endured.
Police Investigation and Suspect Description
Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Major Crash Unit is leading the investigation, classifying it as a felony hit-and-run due to the severity of the injuries. Investigators believe the black SUV may have damage to the front end from the collision. Surveillance video from the apartment complex captured the incident, but the footage has not been publicly released. Police have canvassed the area for additional witnesses and are reviewing nearby traffic cameras.
No detailed description of the driver has been provided, but authorities noted the suspect appeared to assess the situation before speeding away. FWPD spokesperson Tommy Kovach stated, “This was a senseless act that left a young child fighting for his life. We need the community’s help to bring this driver to justice.” The department has increased patrols in the area to prevent similar incidents.
Public Reaction and Calls for Justice
The story has garnered significant attention on social media, with X (formerly Twitter) users expressing outrage over the driver’s callousness. Posts from accounts like @unlimited_ls, which shared a video of the boy’s account, amassed over 1,000 likes and hundreds of reposts, highlighting demands for stiffer penalties for hit-and-run offenders. One user commented, “Hit & Run Drivers Need Stiffer Sentences once caught!!!” reflecting widespread frustration with such crimes in Texas, where hit-and-runs have risen 15% since 2020 according to state data.
Christiansen has pleaded for anyone with information to come forward, noting the emotional toll on her family. “He was just a kid enjoying the evening—why run?” she told local media. The FWPD is offering a reward through Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County for tips leading to an arrest.
How to Help
Anyone with information is asked to contact Fort Worth police at 817-392-4227 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 817-392-STOP (7867) or online at fortworthcrimestoppers.org. Case number FWPD #172XXXX (exact number pending public release). As the investigation continues, officials emphasize road safety, urging drivers to remain at scenes of accidents and parents to supervise children in parking areas.