Police: Drunk driver hits 2-year-old

MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) - A drunk driver accused of hitting a 2-year-old girl with his vehicle never should’ve been behind the wheel.

Police say Chavez Doroteo didn’t have any insurance.

Doroteo, 50, is facing a series of charges including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death.

The little girl, Alexandria, was taken by medical helicopter to Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. She suffered internal and external injuries. She was listed in critical but stable condition.

A police report 24-Hour News 8 obtained indicates the child had tire marks over both of her legs and lacerations to her face.

According to police, Doroteo said he was coming through the trailer park when the little girl ran out in front of him. After hitting her, Doroteo told police he got scared and went to his trailer and parked his car and went into the house.

His blood alcohol level was .064.

Court records revealed, in 2008 Doroteo was charged with operating while under the influence. Then, he was a first time offender so the charge was dismissed and he entered a Title 12 Deferral program. Under the program, defendants are monitored by the county’s probation department to prevent any further unlawful activity. Typically, completion of a substance abuse program is required.

But Doroteo violated terms of his program one year after his first arrest in 2008. In August of 2009, Doroteo was arrested for operating while under the influence. His blood alcohol content was above the legal limit of .08.

A spokesperson with the Delaware County Clerk's office says the 50-year old later pled guilty.

While Alex Nelson's parents are focused on her recovery, they can't help but wonder how this happened.

"I'm so sad to see her the way she is now. She's not doing anything," John Nelson said. "I'm upset! He had two previous DUIs and was still allowed to operate a vehicle."

Machines have helped little Alex Nelson breathe. The two-year old has five fractured ribs, a broken leg and a fractured wrist. She remains in the hospital in critical but stable condition. Her mother, Elisabeth Rigney, says her daughter has shown some improvement.

"She called my name and said 'I'm thirsty,'" Rigney said.

Rigney said this is the first time she's felt helpless.

"To know that she is in pain and I can't do anything (hurts)."