(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — The Sacramento Police Department has announced the arrest of a suspect in the fatal hit‑and‑run that claimed the life of a 9‑year‑old girl in South Sacramento on Thursday evening.
On June 11, just before 8 p.m., officers responded to reports of a vehicle vs. mini‑motorcycle collision near 36th Street and 19th Avenue. When officers arrived, they found an adult man and a 9‑year‑old girl with injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Both were transported to a local hospital, where the child later died. The driver fled the scene before police arrived.
Because of the severity of the incident, the Sacramento Police Department’s Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) and Crime Scene Investigators responded to take over the case. Detectives processed the scene, interviewed witnesses, and conducted an extensive four‑hour neighborhood canvass as part of the investigation.
UPDATE: Police announced that, less than 24 hours after the collision, investigators identified and arrested the suspected driver. Thirty‑year‑old Miracle Merritt of Sacramento was taken into custody on charges of felony hit‑and‑run and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
The arrest was the result of coordinated efforts among patrol officers, crime scene investigators, and MCIU detectives.
Community members responded quickly on social media after the announcement, many expressing gratitude to detectives and heartbreak over the loss of the young victim.
“So proud of the team at SPD! Job well done,” one commenter wrote, adding, “So sad that someone, especially a child, lost their life in this incident.”
Others praised the fast work of investigators. “Great teamwork,” another community member posted. “Thank you SPD for your diligence!” another wrote.
Some residents focused on the tragedy itself. “Rest easy, kiddo,” one commenter said. “I’m so glad he was caught. Poor little girl,” another added.
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the child’s identity once next‑of‑kin notifications are complete.
Detectives continue to encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Sacramento Police Department at (916) 808‑5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443‑HELP (4357). Tips may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Anonymous information can also be submitted through the “P3 Tips” smartphone app.
(Image credit: Stephen Leonardi, pexels.com.)
City Council Cuts Police Budget Amid Broader Cost‑Saving Measures
The incident comes shortly after the Sacramento City Council approved its new budget, which includes significant reductions to the police department as part of a wider effort to close a multimillion‑dollar deficit. The plan eliminates more than 100 vacant and filled city positions overall, including dozens within the police department, and reallocates some roles to other divisions. While no active sworn officers were laid off, the staffing cuts mark the largest reduction to police resources in more than a decade and are expected to increase reliance on overtime to maintain service levels.
The suspect in this story is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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