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‘Someone changed my life forever;’ 9-year-old hit, dragged by SUV speaks out for first time

By WHIO Staff
By WHIO Staff

DAYTON — For the first time, we are hearing from a child who police said was hit by a drunk driver and dragged a half mile.

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As News Center 7 previously reported, on July 22 Escalante was on her bike in a crosswalk on Wayne Avenue and Clover Street when she was hit by an SUV.

The SUV did not stop, dragging Escalante for a half mile.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Driver who hit, dragged 9-year-old girl was 4x over legal limit for intoxication, police say

Police identified the driver of the SUV as Jeffrey Atkinson.

Atkinson was found to have a blood alcohol level of .34, according to Dayton police.

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In a voice message sent to News Center 7 Escalante thanked those that helped her.

“On July 22, someone changed my life forever,” Escalante said.

While the driver who hit her never stopped to check on her, others did.

“Thanks to the lady who assisted me in the ambulance. To the lady who helped me when the car left me stranded in the street, without caring about anything,” the 9-year-old said.

In body camera footage Atkinson admitted to being drunk.

“I just hope that justice is what is necessary to pay for all of the damage that is done to me and my entire family,” Escalante said.

Doctors had to amputate one of her feet.

She said she is grateful to everyone who helped her.

“Thanks to all the doctors and the nurses that have taken care of me in this situation. It is still a long and painful process but God is always with me,” Escalante said.

After she left the hospital, she got a fever and an infection and had to be hospitalized.

Atkinson is currently in the custody of the Montgomery County Jail.

His next court date is at the end of the month.

We will continue to follow this story.

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