INDIANAPOLIS, Marion County, Ind., Oct. 6, 2026 — A 9-year-old boy died and a 6-year-old boy was hurt Sunday afternoon, October 4, after a driver struck them with a vehicle and left the 6700 block of Eagle Pointe Drive North, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. A man was arrested hours later on a preliminary charge of leaving the scene of a crash causing death.
Officers were called around 1:33 p.m. to Wylde at Eagle Creek apartment complex near West 46th Street and Inland Drive East, after reports of a child lying in the street. Arriving officers found two children who had reportedly been playing in the street when a vehicle struck them and kept going.
The 9-year-old was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died, police said. The 6-year-old was reported in stable condition. The coroner's office identified the boy who died as Roland McLain III.
Investigators said they used license plate reader technology to locate a vehicle matching the scene evidence at a car wash near Pendleton Pike and E. 56th Street. Lawrence Police officers took a 31-year-old man, identified in a probable cause affidavit as Franck Bazil, into custody there.
According to the affidavit, Bazil told investigators he felt his vehicle hit something as he left his apartment, was alerted by another driver that he had struck a child, and left without stopping to check because he was scared. He reportedly told police he later contacted family members, who urged him to turn himself in. Police said they observed no signs of impairment but took a blood sample as part of the investigation.
The case remains open as investigators finish their work. We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
How Investigators Piece Together a Hit-and-Run Crash
When a driver flees the scene, the first hours of an investigation often focus on identifying the vehicle rather than the driver. Officers canvass for surveillance footage, examine debris left behind, and in many departments now rely on license plate reader networks that can flag a matching vehicle almost anywhere in a city within a short window of time.
Once a suspect is located, investigators still have to build a full case. That includes scene measurements, witness statements, and sometimes a reconstruction of vehicle speed and impact. A blood draw or toxicology screen, when collected, typically takes days to weeks to process through a lab before results are confirmed. Formal charges can be amended once that evidence comes back.
Officials often wait to release a deceased victim's name until a coroner's office completes identification and next of kin are notified, which is why early reports sometimes describe a victim only by age. The full written report on a fatal crash, including final findings on cause and any contributing factors, can take weeks to finish even after an arrest is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a fatal hit-and-run investigation typically take?
Initial arrests can happen quickly if a vehicle or driver is identified, but the full investigation, including toxicology and a final report, often takes several weeks.
Does impairment play a role in these crashes?
It can, but not always. Investigators routinely check for signs of impairment and may request blood or toxicology testing regardless of whether impairment is suspected at the scene.
Where do fatal pedestrian crashes like this tend to happen?
They occur disproportionately in residential areas and apartment complexes with heavy foot traffic, limited lighting, or no traffic-calming features such as speed bumps.
What makes a crash more likely to be fatal for a pedestrian?
Vehicle speed is the biggest factor. Higher speeds reduce a driver's reaction time and increase the force of impact on a person outside the vehicle.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 70 percent of people killed in hit-and-run crashes were pedestrians and bicyclists in 2023.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Indianapolis, IN
If you witness a hit-and-run crash, try to note the vehicle's color, make, and license plate number if it's safe to do so, and call 911 immediately. Stay with anyone who is injured until paramedics arrive, and avoid moving them unless there's immediate danger.
If your child or a family member is involved in this kind of crash, seek medical evaluation right away even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take time to appear. Request a copy of the police report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits related to the crash. Community members who notice recurring safety hazards, such as speeding or a lack of traffic-calming measures, can raise those concerns with local city-county council representatives or neighborhood associations.
