NORTHWOOD, Iowa — A truck struck and killed a 7-year-old child Tuesday morning while she was walking across the street to board a Northwood-Kensett school bus.

The bus’ lights were flashing, and the stop arm was extended around 7:45 a.m. when a 2002 Chevy pickup traveling south failed to stop and hit Kadyn J. Halverson, of Northwood, according to the Iowa State Patrol. The bus was stopped facing north near the girl’s babysitter’s driveway on Raven Avenue just north of 430th Street.

The driver, identified as Aaron Dwayne Gunderson, 31, Northwood, fled the scene and Worth County deputies caught him about two miles away. He spent Tuesday in jail in Northwood.

The incident remains under investigation and charges are pending.

Northwood-Kensett Community Schools Superintendent Thomas Nugent said the district is working with law enforcement and awaiting their go-ahead before releasing more information.

“Our community is going through a time of grief, and we are providing crisis assistance for our students and our faculty,” Nugent said.