CINCINNATI — Police released a photo belonging to the vehicle they believe is responsible for the hit-and-run death of a 15-year-old boy Monday.
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to notify them if they find and identify this car part, which is a front right wheel well liner. Based on preliminary assessment in the hit-and-run, the part is from a dark-colored Honda Civic.
The vehicle is believed to be the car used to hit 15-year-old Eli Jones in Anderson Township early Monday morning, the sheriff's office said.
According to police, Jones was likely hit by a vehicle in the 8400 block of Clough Road in the westbound lane around 1 a.m. Monday.
The wife of 56-year-old Douglas Stansell called WCPO early Monday morning and said that her husband swerved to avoid the boy lying in the road before stopping to call the police. When emergency crews arrived, they rushed the boy to the hospital where he later died.
Stansell's family said he had a heart attack about one hour after witnessing the scene. His son John, who was in the car with him, said the trauma of seeing the teen in the street got to him. They called 911 for the second time, and Stansell later died.
His family said the father of nine children would risk his life to put others before himself.
Investigators said police are actively searching for a vehicle that left the scene. They are looking for a Honda Civic that is missing the front right fender well. Police believe the driver fled to Clermont County.
Jones was a 10th grader at Anderson High School.
"I know our community will come together to support each other during this difficult time," said Forest Hills School District Superintendent Larry Hook. "This tragedy is devastating to our Anderson High School community and for the entire district."
Links to resources for grieving families can be found on the district's website.
This is a developing story and will be updated once more information becomes available.
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