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Heroic Mom Struck By Car, Saves Boys From Hit-And-Run Driver

LOS ANGELES (CBS2) —A mother was struck by a hit-and-run driver while her son and his friend were trick-or-treating near Watts Wednesday night.

The accident happened just before 9 p.m. at East 92nd and North Beach streets.

Susan Washington, 46, said she was crossing the street with her 9-year-old son, Nathaniel, and his friend, Alvin Hardy, when a silver Suzuki sped around the corner.

"The last thing I remember is walking across the street and pushing the kids out of the way," said Washington. "All I remember is my baby crying and saying, 'That's my mother.' I didn't think I was going to make it."

Alvin said, "It just came so fast. I tried to jump. (The car) hit me and then I fell down to the ground."

Nathaniel told CBS2's Carter Evans that two people came out of the car, looked at Washington, and ran away from the scene.

CHP investigators found the suspect's car a couple of blocks away, but the driver and his two passengers were already gone.

The 46-year-old mother was taken to the hospital.

Washington was released and went home in a neck brace and a face covered with cuts and bruises.

"I just want to say to the people who did this… I'm praying for you and just turn yourself in," Washington said.

Nathaniel said he knows his mom took the brunt of the accident to save him and his friend.

"She's still the same person, even if she has any scars on her. I really don't care, she's still my mama," he said.

Police said the hit-and-run driver's car had a Washington state license plate.

Officials continue to search for the suspect and his passengers.

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