Newark police are searching for a man they've identified as being behind the wheel during a hit-and-run crash that critically injured a 9-year-old girl Tuesday morning.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Sawab O. Williams, 51, of Newark according to the city's public safety director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. On April 1 at 7:36 a.m., police were called to the area of Irvine Turner Boulevard and Spruce Street after receiving calls about a 9-year-old girl who was struck by a vehicle.

When officers arrived, they found that the driver who allegedly struck the child had left the scene. The child was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where she is listed as being in critical but stable condition, officials said.

During the course of an investigation, Williams, also known as SB, was identified as the driver of the vehicle. He is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 240 pounds with a dark brown complexion, brown eyes and a bald head. Police say he is known to frequently visit the Auto Zone store parking lot at 295 Springfield Ave. in Newark, as well as locations in Carteret and Elizabeth.

The public safety director said Williams is wanted for "assault by auto and endangering an injured victim in striking a pedestrian."

Anyone with information regarding Williams or his whereabouts is asked to contact Newark Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS. All tips are confidential and could result in a reward, police said. Tips can also be sent to police at https://www.newarkpublicsafety.org/how-do-i/submit-a-crime-tip/.