Driver flees after hit-and-run

GLENDALE — An 18-year-old Glendale motorist was arrested Tuesday after she allegedly ran over a 6-year-old autistic boy’s foot and fled when witnesses tried to stop her, police said.

Alina Davtian-Taghiabad was taken into custody on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, which includes causing non-life-threatening injuries to the boy, Glendale Police Sgt. Michael Glassick said.

The boy sustained cuts and bleeding from his right leg and shin, which paramedics treated at the scene, Glassick said.

“Accidents happen, but you can’t leave or flee the scene,” he said.

The boy and his mother were visiting a building on Glenoaks Boulevard, when he ran away from her, outside and into the bustling thoroughfare, Glassick said.

Davtian-Taghiabad was driving slowly in the third lane as she approached a red light at the intersection between Sonora and Ruberta avenues, when the boy ran into the lane, he said.

Her car tire ran over the boy’s foot, prompting him to scream, Glassick said.

A Good Samaritan ran over to the boy and pounded on Davtian-Taghiabad’s passenger car window, signaling for her to move the car to allow him to move his foot, he said.

She put her car in reverse and the boy was able to free his foot, police said.

But instead of stopping to render aid, Davtian-Taghiabad drove off, Glassick said.

The Good Samaritan got a ride with another witness who was helping the boy and followed her as she drove onto several streets, he said.

Police finally stopped Davtian-Taghiabad on the 400 block of Burchett Street and arrested her, Glassick said.

Davtian-Taghiabad, who initially denied running over the boy, allegedly admitted to the hit-and-run, Glassick said.

She was released from jail after posting $50,000 bond.