Child Hit By Car In Lakeland Village

A Lake Elsinore woman has been arrested on suspicion of hitting a child with her car in Lakeland Village and then leaving the scene.

Kathleen Zeller, 25, was arrested Dec. 14 at her home around 4:45 p.m. after police received a call from a witness about the incident, according to California Highway Patrol spokesman Nathan Baer.

The alleged hit-and-run occurred around 2:42 p.m. Friday as children crossed Rome Hill heading south at Grand Avenue, Baer explained.

Reading from a report filed by the CHP officer at the scene, Baer said Zeller was at the stop sign on Rome Hill in a Buick Century when she allegedly “accelerated onto Grand Avenue and struck a child.”

Zeller stopped, got out of her car, and a witness asked her why she pulled out as she did, Baer continued.

“The driver stated that she was looking the other way and did not see the child,” Baer said.

At that point, Zeller allegedly got back in her car and fled the scene; meanwhile the child, who sustained minor injuries, began crying and the witness got the Buick’s license plate number, Baer said.

The plate was tracked to Zeller at her home in Lake Elsinore. During questioning, the investigating CHP officer determined Zeller violated the law, Baer explained.

Drivers involved in accidents where there is injury must stop, provide identifying information, and assist the injured, according to Californa vehicle code.

According to jail records, Zeller was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run with injuries. She has been released on bail and is due to appear in court Feb. 8.