Police have made an arrest after a driver struck a young girl and fled the scene in Valley Stream.

The incident happened on Sunday around 1:36 p.m.

According to detectives, while playing in the alleyway behind a residential home on Dartmouth Street, the 8-year-old girl was struck by a black SUV traveling northbound.

Police say the driver, 52-year-old Heath Underweiser, fled the scene.

The victim suffered a broken leg and was transported to a hospital for treatment and evaluation.

Maria Maloney, who lives in the community, says Underweiser is their neighbor.

"I know his daughters and his wife and they're a nice family," Maloney said. "He's a good father - I can only imagine if that was his daughter that was hit."

Neighbors say Underweiser is a well-known livery driver in the area.

News 12 tried speaking with him at his home Monday, but nobody came to the door.

The location where the crash happened is a private community driveway - only for townhouse residents. Neighbors say it is often used as a cut through by other people trying to avoid stop signs.

"They come down so fast with these cars and these are the young people and the older people," says Helenna Perno. "They have signs, children at play, slow down, nobody listens."

Underweiser is being charged with leaving the scene of an incident with an injury. He was issued a desk appearance ticket.

He is due in court on March 2.

Officials from the village of Valley Stream tell News 12 they will be taking measures this week for speed bumps and sign placements in the area.