Toddler killed in hit-and-run

New Haven police are asking for help in finding a dark blue Mercedes involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 17-month-old boy and injured three others.

The baby has been identified as Montez Turner Jr. His mother, 17-year old Mauricia Stanley, remains hospitalized in critical condition. A spinal cord injury may leave her paralyzed.

Turner's father took a moment today to place flowers at the makeshift memorial that has sprung up at the site of the crash. Meanwhile, his grandmother is pleading for the public's help.

"If you know anything, please call. Anything you know can help us," Tywanna Harrington said.

The deadly accident happened Saturday night at the intersection of Division and Mansfield Streets. Police say the driver of the Mercedes blew through a stop sign, slamming into the SUV. The impact of the crash flipped the SUV on its side.

Witnesses say the driver of the Mercedes got out of his car, looked over his own vehicle and then sped off.

The baby's great-grandfather hopes the man responsible will turn himself in.

"Man, you destroyed a family. Come forth, do the right thing. Man up," said Emmerson Biatche.

Police say they are searching for a 1998-2003 dark blue, two door Mercedes Benz CLK. It was last seen headed north on Mansfield Street toward Hamden. The driver is described as a black male, 6'2", with dreadlocks tied in a ponytail. Witnesses tell police that a passenger was also in the Mercedes.

New Haven police ask anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who may have seen the vehicle, to call 203-946-6316.