DANA POINT –The father of a 7-year-old girl who was run over asked the hit-and-run driver to come forward and talk to investigators about the accident that left his daughter in critical condition.
"The person needs to step up and be responsible," said Joseph Cope, who drove his daughter to a Laguna Beach hospital after she was run over while skateboarding with friends. "I can't imagine their conscience or the guilt of running over a girl."
As of Wednesday morning, 7-year-old Tabatha Cope remains hospitalized and in critical condition as family members wait to find to find out if she will need to undergo additional surgery, Cope said.
Tabatha suffered several broken bones, including a collar bone and ribs. Because of the crash, she has lost most of her teeth and suffered a lacerated liver. She regained consciousness Tuesday morning in CHOC Hospital in Mission Viejo, where she was taken from Laguna Beach because of the extent of her injuries.
"The fact my daughter is alive is a miracle in itself," Cope said.
Cope described his daughter as an active girl with a quick wit, the youngest of four siblings who likes climbing trees and meeting people.
"She's a suck-it-up type of girl – a fighter," Cope said.
Tabatha and 15 to 20 friends were playing near the area of Silver Lantern Street and La Paz Avenue Monday evening at about 6:30 p.m. when the crash occurred, authorities said.
Described as an active and friendly girl with blonde hair, Tabatha was riding a skateboard at the intersection when she was hit by the vehicle.
"She said, 'I looked both ways,' she crossed and out of nowhere there was the truck," Cope said. "She doesn't remember much more."
A 6-year-old friend ran to Tabatha's 13-year-old sister who picked up Tabatha and ran uphill to their Dana Point home. Joseph Cope put her in a car and drove to the nearest hospital.
According to authorities, a man driving a truck similar to the description given by authorities stopped and asked about Tabatha, but left the area.
The truck involved in the hit-and-run was described by witnesses as a light colored, raised pickup truck or military-style vehicle with a blue stripe.
Speaking to reporters outside of the hospital where his daughter is being treated, Cope asked the driver to trust authorities.
"He's probably fearful and scared of the consequences," he said. "Trust the judicial system."
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 949-425-1860 or 949-770-6011.
Contact the writer: shernandez@ocregister.com or 949-454-7361
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