Teen dead, suspect in custody in NYC hit and run

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A teenager was killed after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Brooklyn Wednesday. That driver is now under arrest and facing a list of charges.

The 14-year-old victim was headed to the store for his mother when he was hit by a 2011 Ford Econoline van while crossing Flatlands Avenue near East 54th Street around 7:30 p.m.

The boy, identified as Davonte Jeffers, was left in the middle of the street while the driver took off. He was rushed in critical condition to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Authorities found the van and the driver about a block away, on Avenue A and East 55th Street. He has been identified as 41-year-old Paul Griffin, of Brooklyn.

Witnesses say the victim appeared to be in very bad shape following the accident.

"The kid was crossing from the middle of the street," a witness said. "He wasn't saying nothing. I hope he's going to make it...He didn't breathe at all. It was bad."

The driver has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident with serious injuries and aggravated unlicensed operated of a vehicle. Additional charges are pending.