1-YEAR-OLD IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER BEING HIT BY CAR.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

A 1-year-old boy who was hit by a car in Newhall on Tuesday remains in critical condition on a respirator with a skull fracture and a lacerated spleen, authorities said Wednesday.

Little Mark Juarez apparently ran out onto Walnut Street from between two parked cars and was hit about 5 p.m. by a passing vehicle, said Deputy Mark Slater of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Canyon Country resident Maria Martinez, driving a 1978 Chevy Caprice, tried to avoid the toddler, but was unable to, officials said.

``He suffered a fractured skull but doctors said there was no apparent brain injury,'' Slater said.

Los Angeles County fire and rescue workers arrived within minutes of the accident to aid the child, authorities said.

Mark was airlifted to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles where he was placed on a respirator and still listed in critical condition, spokesman Steve Rutledge said Wednesday.

Slater said he has yet to interview the boy's parents because they've been at his bedside since the accident.

``That's more important than the investigation right now. The boy's health is of concern, the investigation can wait,'' Slater said.

Deputies, however, did interview Martinez, 57, and, so far, no charges have been filed.

Anyone who may have seen the accident is asked to call Slater at [phone], Ext. 322.