12-year-old girl struck by alleged drunk driver in South Boston

A 12-year-old girl was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash involving an alleged repeat drunk driver Saturday afternoon in South Boston, State Police said.

The girl, who was not identified, was struck on Old Colony Avenue by an SUV whose driver fled the scene, police said in a statement.

She was taken to Tufts Medical Center for treatment of injuries believed to be “serious but not life-threatening,’’ the statement said.

A short time later, Boston police arrested Richard Higgins, 78, of Attleboro. Police pulled over his 2001 Ford Explorer near the Kosciuszko Circle around 4:25 p.m. He allgedly hit the girl after losing control of the vehicle.

“Higgins failed to stop until Boston police stopped his vehicle,’’ State Police said.

He was charged with driving under the influence, third offense, leaving the scene of a crash, operating to endanger and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, according to the statement.

Police are still investigating the crash, including whether the girl was standing in a crosswalk, the statement said.