Sikeston woman charged with hitting child with vehicle, leaving scene

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston woman remained in custody Tuesday morning on charges of leaving the scene of a motor accident with injuries after police say she hit a toddler in a gas station parking lot Sunday.

Alethea Sue Sutton, 49, is in the Scott County Jail under $10,000 bond after hitting a 2-year-old girl at a Sikeston business Sunday afternoon.

Around 12:43 p.m., the Sikeston Department of Public Safety responded to a business parking lot at 109 East St. in reference to an accident. Reportedly, a vehicle struck a small child then fled the scene. A description of the vehicle, its license plate and the driver's name was given by witnesses.

According to reports, the 2-year-old was walking out of the business and as she stepped into the parking lot, the suspect vehicle failed to slow down enough to miss striking her. The witnesses stated the vehicle struck the child in such a way that her left leg was pinned under the passenger side tire.

Sutton apparently exited her vehicle to assess the situation. Two witnesses reported they were yelling at the driver to move the vehicle off the child's leg but she did not respond, so the two men were able to lift/roll the vehicle enough to free the child's leg.

Once the leg was freed, Sutton reportedly got in her vehicle and sped off. Meanwhile, the child was transported to an area hospital for a possible broken leg and several bruises.

The suspect vehicle was later located parked behind a vacant resident and one of the witnesses positively identified the vehicle.

A neighbor said that he saw Sutton drive between the residences, exit her vehicle, then walk to the back door of her home just down the street.

When officers checked the residence, Sutton would not answer the door. The area was then secured and a probable cause affidavit was sent to the prosecutor for a warrant, which was later issued for Sutton's arrest.

Officers then entered the residence, located her in the living room, and arrested her.

Pertinent address:

109 East St., Sikeston, MO