Toddler wanders behind SUV, is run over by mom

By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An 18-month-old girl died early Monday evening after being struck by her mother's SUV as she backed out of the family's Lawrenceville driveway.

The tragic accident occurred a little before 7 p.m. in the 1040 block of Mosscroft Court, Gwinnett County Police report. According to investigators, the mother was unaware that her daughter, Mikayla Rennie, had followed her out of the house. The child had walked to the rear of the Toyota Highlander as her mother started the car.

"Due to the nature of the vehicle coupled with the size and positioning of the child, the driver was not able to observe the child behind the vehicle," Gwinnett police spokesman Brian Kelly said.

Though the investigation is ongoing, Kelly indicated charges are unlikely.