A 4-year-old girl is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the street on Detroit's east side. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Canyon Street in the vicinity of Mack and Moross, during a family gathering last Saturday, as reported by CBS News Detroit.
According to Detroit Police Captain Scott Pellerito, Audacy states that the child had been at Balduck Park prior to the accident and was en route to a family event. Witnesses told police the driver appeared to be following the 25 miles per hour speed limit suggested by the site of the crash. The motorist involved stopped immediately and cooperated with law enforcement.
First responders arrived on site within three minutes, swiftly transporting the girl to a local hospital for her critical injuries, that included trauma to her neck, chest, and leg. Her family members maintain she had been simply crossing the street when the incident occurred. Ashley Pierson, the girl's cousin, stated her belief that the car was moving "about 60 miles per hour," and that the vehicle "came out of nowhere," as noted by FOX 2 Detroit.
While acknowledging the events as tragic, Captain Pellerito highlighted the necessity of adult supervision for young children at such gatherings, advising vigilance to parents. "Such a tragic situation whenever we have children injured...we've seen an uptick in that," Pellerito told Audacy. After the crash, there was an altercation involving the driver and family members, which has since prompted an additional investigation by Detroit police, according to FOX 2 Detroit.
Despite the circumstances, Pierson conveyed the family's resilience in the face of the tragic event. "We're believers," she said. "We're continuing to fellowship with one another and love one another," Pierson told FOX 2 Detroit. As the investigation progresses, further details surrounding the accident are expected to unfold.
