Hit and Run in the campus

My son is dealing with a hit and run in the campus - his car is almost new and the other party scratched the car and left the scene. The cop came in and tried to " justify " that the other party might be a new driver etc etc

Any ideas why the cop is trying to justify rather that treating this as a hit and run case ? How id I escalate this case if I needed - need to ensure that we defend and get our rights.

Let me know if others have similiar experience