WOODLAND, CA – A 2-year-old girl was killed in an unusual incident at a California gas station on Saturday when a truck, left running with a 3-year-old child inside, struck her.
Woodland Police Department relayed the incident in a news release, stating how a vehicle was left running while the owner went to a nearby store, leaving a 3-year-old child in the car. The child managed to move from their car seat into the driver’s seat, causing the truck to advance.
The truck hit the young girl, identified as Ailahni Sanchez Martinez, who was by her parents’ taco stand, located in the gas station’s parking lot. The girl’s father, Sandro Sanchez, told reporters how he was unable to reach his daughter in time.
Following the tragic incident, Ailahni was transferred to a local hospital. However, she ultimately succumbed to her injuries at the facility.
Woodland police, in their news release, confirmed that all participants in the incident are currently cooperating with the investigation. No arrests have been made as of yet, but the case will be forwarded to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office for review upon completion.
Despite the devastating loss, the incident has been termed as a “freakish accident” that falls outside the scope of criminal liability.