A 12-year-old has been struck by a vehicle at a marked crosswalk in Stuart, leading to the driver facing multiple charges. According to a CBS12 report, the incident occurred yesterday afternoon when the child was crossing the roadway at the intersection of Bayou Ave and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The driver of a red Chevrolet pickup, now identified as operating with a suspended license, failed to yield and struck the child.
The Stuart Police Department (SPD) responded swiftly to the accident shortly after 4:10 p.m., where they found the injured child. In a statement obtained by CBS12, officials said the officers and Stuart Fire Rescue promptly rendered aid before airlifting the young pedestrian to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach for further evaluation. Fortunately, it seems the child will not suffer any life-threatening injuries.
The vehicle's driver is now facing charges for operating a motor vehicle while their license was suspended with knowledge, alongside being cited for failing to yield to the right of way at a crosswalk. This was reported by the SPD in an update on their Facebook page, which also underscored the crash was still under investigation.
In light of the incident, the SPD has issued a reminder to motorists, emphasizing the importance to always remain alert, specially reduce speed around pedestrian areas, and use extra caution in the vicinity of school zones and crosswalks. "The Stuart Police Department reminds all motorists to remain alert, reduce speed in pedestrian areas, and use extra caution around school zones and crosswalks to help keep our community safe," the SPD statement said.
