Child-abuse suspect runs over neighbor, flees the scene

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – A woman ran over a neighbor repeatedly with her car today — apparently on purpose — when the victim tried to intervene in a possible case of child abuse in a Lincoln Park-area neighborhood, authorities reported.

The suspected vehicular assault and hit-and-run took place near the intersection of Castana and 47th streets shortly after 2 p.m., according to San Diego police.

Preliminary reports indicated that a 50-year-old man who lives in the area saw a neighbor whipping her 8-year-old sister with a belt and then was run over as he tried to stop the woman from driving off with the child, Officer Dino Delimitros said.

The perpetrator, later identified as 24-year-old Tantrina Spencer-Simmons, apparently drove the car over the man several times before fleeing, Lt. Ricky Rasada told reporters.

Medics took the victim to a hospital for treatment of serious head trauma and other injuries.

Police were able to locate and arrest Simmons.