A 7-year-old boy was critically injured Monday night in South Los Angeles when he was run over by a motorist who fled the scene, police said.

The boy had chased a ball into the street in the 6900 block of Estrella Avenue about 6 p.m. and was hit by a gray minivan. Police say the driver initially stopped and got out of her vehicle but then sped away without identifying herself or rendering aid as is required by law.

The boy, whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital where he was in critical condition. Anyone with information is asked to contact South Traffic Division Dets. Jimmy Render or Rodney Jones at (213) 485-7336 or (323) 290-6063. After hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour, toll-free number, (877) LAPD24-7 (527-3247).A text message can be sent to CRIMES (274637); begin the message with LAPD. Tipsters can also submit anonymous information on the LAPD website.