Toddler critically injured; Police seek driver who fled

Cobb County police are looking for a hit-and-run driver involved in a crash Monday night that seriously injured a toddler.

A 1994 Isuzu Rodeo driven by Leonel Etienne was northbound on Austell Road about 8:40 p.m. when the sport-utility vehicle was struck by a southbound car that was turning onto Sandtown Road, Cobb police spokeswoman Cassie Reece said.

Reece said the collision caused Etienne to lose control of the Isuzu, which then left the road and hit a utility pole.

Etienne’s 23-month-old daughter, who was riding in a child safety seat, sustained extensive head injuries when the SUV hit the pole, Reece said. The girl was airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, and is in critical condition.

The driver of the car that struck the Isuzu fled the scene. Reece said that car is possibly an older white Toyota Camry or Cressida with extensive damage to the left front.