Child in serious condition after struck by car in Jersey City

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- An 8-year-old child is in serious condition after being struck by a car at a Jersey City intersection, police say.

The child was struck at Christopher Columbus Drive and Grove Street and was transported to Jersey City Medical Center. Witnesses say there was a group of kids walking outside, and the 8-year-old rushed across the street when he or she was struck by an SUV.

CeFaan Kim was live at the scene:

One eyewitness was left traumatized.

"I could not work for a bit. It really broke my heart. I could not work for a while," said Charlene Chacon.

Witnesses say at first the driver did not stop, but several Good Samaritans were able to catch up to him on foot a half a block away. Jose Pimento says he wasn't driving away quickly and seemed dazed.

"I heard the screaming, so I noticed the guy was pulling away, so I ran after him and was able to stop the guy on foot. So I was able to stop him, and I start banging on his window. Another gentleman was following as well on foot and said he didn't know. He said he felt like he went over a bookbag," said Pimento.

The driver was stopped right in front of the salon where Angel Alvelo works. His coworker was one of several people who pulled the driver over.

"He said he didn't see the kid. That's what he said," said Avelo.

The driver reportedly did not try to leave once they pulled him over - he says he just wanted to know what happened.

Police say the driver remained on scene, and they are not calling it a hit-and-run.