Amir Russ, 2, critically injured after he is struck by a hit-and-run driver at Koenig Boulevard in Kingston, New York

The family of a little boy who was the victim of a hit-and-run while crossing Koenig Boulevard Thursday is asking for privacy and thanking friends for their support. Amir Russ, 2, was at the intersection near Spring Brook Village in Kingston just after 10 p.m. when he was struck. The driver sped off, but witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored vehicle pulling away from the scene and traveling southbound on Koenig toward Port Ewen. Amir was upgraded from critical to serious condition Friday night, according to a spokesman at Westchester Medical Center. He was treated at the scene by emergency medical services and rushed to St. Francis Hospital. He was later transferred to Westchester. He will celebrate his third birthday in the ICU on Sunday. Authorities were told that the toddler walked out of his babysitter's care and wandered on to the road by himself.