Hit-and-Run Charges Applied in Cheongdam School Zone Elementary Student Death Case... Bereaved Family "Relieved by the Trusted Outcome"

Additional Charge of Hit-and-Run Applied... Transfer Scheduled for Tomorrow Morning

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The police have decided to add a hit-and-run (fleeing causing death) charge against a man in his 30s who is accused of fatally hitting an elementary school student in a child protection zone while intoxicated, and to send him to prosecution under detention.

On the 8th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced that it plans to send Mr. A, a man in his 30s, to prosecution under detention on the 9th, on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (hit-and-run causing death, death in a child protection zone, reckless driving causing death) and the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving).

Mr. A is accused of hitting and killing B (9), who was crossing a crosswalk, while driving under the influence in front of the back gate of an elementary school in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, on the 2nd. He then drove his car to his home parking lot, and B was transported to a nearby hospital but died.

During the police investigation, Mr. A stated that he drank one to two beers alone at home before the accident, but it was confirmed that his blood alcohol concentration was at the license cancellation level (0.08% or higher) at the time.

The police initially did not apply the hit-and-run charge, reasoning that it was unclear whether Mr. A recognized the accident situation at the time and that he returned to the accident scene within 43 seconds to provide aid.

However, after additional investigation, the police decided to add the hit-and-run causing death charge. They stated that after analyzing black box footage, closed-circuit television (CCTV), statements from the suspect and witnesses, and conducting internal and external legal reviews with investigation supervisors and legal experts, they added the charge.

The content of meetings with the defense team was also considered. The defense team reportedly argued that since the incident occurred in a child protection zone, and that when an accident happens in such a zone, the driver must immediately stop and get out to provide aid, the hit-and-run causing death charge should be applied.

B’s father said, "I am relieved that the investigation results came out as expected," and added, "I believe that improving the environment of child protection zones, which are being poorly managed, is of utmost importance." He also stated, "I will consider how to play a role in improving the environment of child protection zones going forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.