Suspect arrested in fatal hit-and-run of child

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 53-year-old man was arrested overnight on charges resulting from Friday night's fatal hit-and-run that killed a 3-year-old girl.

Police that Eric Clayton was the driver of the vehicle that struck Tariyah Williams on Johnson Avenue, a residential street not far from the intersection of St. Augustine Road and Philips Highway.  Officers say Clayton stopped his car, picked up the child and placed her on the side of the road. He then got back into the vehicle and drove away in the direction he came from.

Williams (pictured, right) was transported to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Witnesses provided a vehicle description, driver description and a tag number and  d the vehicle was later discovered by police in the 2300 block of Kinwood Avenue.

Late Friday night, Clayton turned himself in at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Police say he admitting being the driver, feeling a bump while driving, stopping the vehicle, getting out of the vehicle, placing the child on the side of the road, getting back into his vehicle and leaving the scene. 

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Eric Clayton

Clayton was arrested and transported to jail.

A driver's license check  revealed the Clayton's license was cancelled indefinitely on August 19, 2011.

Clayton is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and driving with a suspended license. He is being held in the Duval County Jail on $500,000 bond.

Clayton's next court date is August 12.