03-04-2025
Local community rallies to prevent child abuse
[Is this needed? Also double check my section on the DD, please.] This story mentions child abuse, which some readers may find distressing.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – During a media event Wednesday to bring awareness to National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Montgomery County singled out one woman for her efforts in saving a child who had been hit and dragged by an alleged drunk driver.
April Littleton was honored as the 2025 Champion of Children Award recipient for her actions on July 22, 2024.
A 9-year-old girl out with her family on Clover Street was pinned under the vehicle of an alleged drunk driver and dragged along Wayne Street for over half a mile before being dislodged.
Driving on Keowee Street, Littleton saw the incident and called 911. She then made a U-turn and followed the vehicle on Wayne Avenue.
'She didn't just leave,' said Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. in presenting the award. 'She didn't just call 911, but she made a U-turn. Good call, making that U-turn.'
When the girl became dislodged from his truck, she pulled over and helped her to safety. She stayed with her on the side of the road, comforting her as they waited for first responders to take her to Dayton Children's Hospital.
'It was a horrific scene, it's just unimaginable,' said Heck during Wednesday's event. 'And when you hear the injuries and what happened to this little girl, it's just unbelievable of what she endured. But April stayed with her until she was taken by ambulance to the hospital.'
Heck later expanded his gratitude in a press release.
'I want to express my heartfelt thanks for April's caring kindness to a grievously injured 9-year-old child at the worst imaginable time,' he wrote. 'April is definitely a Champion of Children!'
During Wednesday's event, Heck emphasized that anyone can help to reduce child abuse, injuries and deaths.
'It's quite simple: Speak up,' said Heck. 'See something? Say something, and then do something.'
If you suspect a child is being abused, call local police or Montgomery County Children Services. One call can make all the all the difference.
In 2024, the county's Child Advocacy Center — the CARE House — saw 1,117 children, including 649 for sexual assault investigation and 377 for physical assault.
Heck announced a donation to the Kinship Navigator Program, the Women's Centers of Ohio, Catholic Social Services and Moms and Babies First. This donation is of car/booster seats, nightlights, snack cups, infant feeding spoons, teething rings and diapers.
The car seats were donated by the Even-Flo Corporation, and Matthew 25 Ministries donated two pallets of diaper. Larry Taylor, from Beau Townsend Ford in Vandalia, made a large monetary donation.
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