But her size and her age are also what make this hit-and-run victim's tale so sad, he said.

"When you see a child run down like this . . . that, to me, is about as low as low can be," Chitwood said.

Yesterday, the toddler underwent surgery to fix her broken jaw, just one of many injuries she sustained when she was hit by a dark-color Ford Explorer or Excursion about 11 p.m. Friday in front of her home, on Marlborough Road near Market Street, in Upper Darby.

"She's got a fractured eye orbit and contusions and abrasions from her little head to her little feet," Chitwood said.

Vang followed her father outside the family's house Friday night and was told to stay on the sidewalk while he went to work on his car, which was parked in the street, Chitwood said.

But Vang followed him into the street and was struck by the SUV, which witnesses said was operating without headlights, according to police.

"Witnesses heard a thud, a yell, a scream and apparently the little girl is dragged, tumbling underneath the car for about 15 feet before she comes out of the back," Chitwood said.

Vang was rushed to Delaware County Memorial Hospital in serious condition, and later was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, the girl's father had hopped into his car and tried to follow the offending vehicle without success, police said.

Witnesses could not see the driver or the number of occupants because the windows were tinted, Chitwood said.

"Right now we have nothing," he said. "We're making a plea to the public."

Anyone with information is urged to call Upper Darby Police at 610-352-7050.