The Surprise community has been rocked by a hit-and-run incident that resulted in severe injuries to a local boy. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, 12-year-old Bridger Benner was hit by a car while riding his bicycle home from a basketball game around 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of 175th Avenue and Paradise. Bridger's father recounted how his son was thrown approximately 20 feet into the air before landing in a median.
"To see him laying on the ground was heartbreaking," Bridger's mother, Lisa Benner, told FOX 10 Phoenix. The family discovered the accident when it occurred just blocks from their home. In a state of panic, they rushed to the scene. "I immediately started screaming for my daughter," Lisa Benner explained. The family found Bridger injured and his bicycle destroyed.
Bridger is now facing a lengthy recovery, with injuries including a broken collarbone, a broken wrist, damaged knees, and a floating chip in his left hip. Speaking to Toby's Social Pub, Bridger said, "I can't believe someone would just leave me there laying on the street, screaming for help." His sister, Madison Zubchevich, echoing the severity of the situation, stated, "This is a sister's worst nightmare as well."
The family has expressed their gratitude for the support they've received and Bridger's determination to heal. However, what they yearn for most is to find the driver responsible for the accident. "He holds on to so much strength and hope, and that's what motivated me to go out there and find out who did this," Madison Zubchevich told Toby's Social Pub. Emphasizing the importance of bicycle safety, the family underscored that Bridger was indeed wearing a helmet when the incident occurred.
The Surprise Police are now seeking information regarding a late model dark gray Toyota Camry, which is believed to be involved in the hit-and-run, and may have damage to its passenger side mirror. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact local authorities to assist in the investigation.
