It happened on Heath Road just outside of Four Oaks Sunday.
Highway Patrol officials say 20-year-old Pollo Rodriguez was driving a Camaro when he hit 7-year-old Marcus Lassiter, then got out of the car and ran.
Authorities went door to door asking if anyone had seen Rodriguez.
That is when Allen Hester says he got in his truck and went looking for the suspect and found him.
"I called 911, [police] came and they got him," Hester said.
Officers caught up with Rodriguez a short time later. He's been charged with DWI, possession of a stolen car, hit and run, assault, reckless driving, speeding and driving without a license. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
Marcus Lassiter is in critical condition at Duke University Medical Center.
Rodriguez remains in custody until his next court appearance later this month. Meanwhile, investigators believe Rodriguez may be using a fake name. Investigators are also checking his citizenship status.
