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Hit-And-Run Suspect In Police Custody

MORROW, Ga. — A hit-and-run suspect accused of leaving the scene of a crash that left a 7-year-old boy seriously injured is now in police custody.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Eric Philips confirmed that Avelardo Franquez was arrested Tuesday night. Police told Philips that Franquez turned himself in at the Clayton County Jail. Morrow police detectives arrived at the jail, where they then placed Franquez under arrest.

Two other people were taken into custody on suspicion of helping Franquez evade authorities.

Morrow police found the SUV on Monday night that was believed to be involved in the crash. It was parked in the back yard of a Clayton County home, police said.

They also announced what they called an "all-out manhunt" for the driver of the Lexus SUV.

Investigators said Franquez is accused of slamming into the back of a car on Jonesboro Road near South Lake Plaza on Sunday and leaving the scene. The collision left 7-year-old Damian Dennis in critical condition. His mother suffered minor injuries. Damian's condition has since been upgraded to stable condition.