In what police are calling a "tragic accident," a Simi Valley man ran over and fatally injured his 16-month-old daughter last Saturday while pulling his vehicle out of the family garage.

According to the Simi Valley Police Department, the father did not know the toddler had followed him into the garage when he went to move his vehicle around 10 a.m. on Jan. 10.

Lt. Joseph May said the small sport utility vehicle had been backed into the garage, so the vehicle was moving forward when it struck the young girl.

While it's unclear how the child got out of the house, May said that the father was unaware his daughter was in the garage.

"There's absolutely no way he could see the child with the height of the child in comparison to the height of the vehicle," May said.

After the accident, 911 was called and three police officers were first to arrive on scene. They administered first aid and CPR until they were relieved by Ventura County Fire Department and ambulance personnel.

"It was a tragic and emotional scene for the officers and everyone involved," May said. "The whole thing is pretty terrible. It's a call we don't want to get."

The girl was then taken to Simi Valley Hospital where efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.

Preliminary investigation at the scene determined the incident to be an accident.

May said the police department's traffic unit is continuing to look into exactly how the child made it into the garage.

"There's nothing to indicate any criminal negligence, but that being said, this is a tragic reminder of how we all need to be overly cautious when driving and/or caring for children," May said. "Our hearts go out to the family."

—Carissa Marsh