An Effingham County woman whose toddler was struck by a hit-and run driver on New Year's Eve has been arrested.
Laperia Mydell, 23, of Rincon, has been charged with cruelty to children in the first-degree.
The investigation showed the mother left 3-year-old Jordan Mydell alone in an apartment at Goshen Crossing Apartments while she went shopping at a nearby gas station, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.
“The toddler was able to leave the apartment and run across Ga. 21 near Goshen Road,” Ehsanipoor said.
The little boy was struck by a vehicle traveling north on the divided roadway.
Investigators have reported the vehicle may have been a late 1990s model Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Suburban.
The child has been released from the hospital and is in the care of the Department of Family and Children Services.
Ehsanipoor said the sheriff’s office is still attempting to identify the hit-and-run driver and locate the vehicle.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact the sheriff’s office at 912-754-3449,” Ehsanipoor said.
Mydell is being held in the Effingham County Jail.