2-year-old girl in critical condition after sister backs car over her

A 2-year-old girl was critically injured on Sunday after her teen sister somehow backed a car over the toddler in an apparent accident, police say.

At 6 p.m., officers were called to a home in the 4400 block of East Eighth Avenue, said Sonny Jackson, spokesman for the Denver Police Department.

Police say the 16-year-old girl was allowed to go and start the family's car in the driveway, Jackson said.

The teenager was in the driver's seat when she somehow put the car into reverse.

The girl's mother broke her arm when she tried to stop the car and the toddler was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

At this time there is no criminal act as it is legal for the juvenile to start the car on private property, Jackson said.

Denver police will present the case to the District Attorney's office which will decide whether to file charges.

Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com