Renton girl hit by truck got warm welcome back on first day of school

RENTON, Wash. — It was a first day of school one fourth-grader in Renton will never forget, and it may not have even happened.

Yaretzi Colis, 9, and her mother were hit by a truck in April just blocks from Benson Hill Elementary.

Today, first responders who were at that crash scene came to welcome Yaretzi back and walk her to school.

On April 23, police say the woman driving a pickup truck hit the two while turning the corner at 116th Avenue Southeast and 184th Street.

Detectives say the driver stopped at the intersection but hit Imelda and Yaretzi.

The driver was cited for negligent driving in the crash.

Yaretzi's mother said Yaretzi suffered critical injuries and spent three months in a wheelchair but couldn’t wait to go back to school.

“She was like, 'Mama, I am ready to go back to school,'" her mother said. “She was excited to go back to see her teacher and friends.”

Authorities who came to walk with Yaretzi and her mother said they are impressed by the girl's courage and strength.

“I was tearing up. I have kids her age,” said Detective Clarence Tolliver, with Renton police. “It’s good to see she fought and fought and made it through.”

More news from KIRO 7:

• WATCH: Detonation of explosive device floating in Puget Sound
• After close call, man warns others about helping people on side of road at night
• Police: Western State Hospital patient stomped on staff member's head 8 times
• Felon wanted in multiple vehicle thefts that injured two victims
• Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Cox Media Group