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12-year-old girl in critical condition after Polk County hit-and-run, deputies say

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 12-year-old girl was critically injured Monday morning in in a Poinciana hit-and-run crash, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

Myrthel Michel was crossing Marigold Avenue near Fairway Road when she was hit by a vehicle driving south on Marigold, deputies said.

The driver who hit Myrthel sped away after the crash, witnesses told investigators.

The girl was taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center before being flown to Tampa General Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.

Myrthel’s parents reported her missing as deputies investigated the hit-and-run, saying that they had last seen the 12-year-old at about 10 p.m. Sunday, the sheriff’s office said.

Her family did not know she was missing or injured until Monday morning, deputies said.

The vehicle involved in the crash was described as a silver four-door import-type sedan with rectangular tail lights.

The car was last seen driving south on Marigold Avenue.

Anyone with information on the crash or vehicle involved is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office, 863-298-6200, or Heartland Crime Stoppers, 800-226-TIPS.