Child hit by police cruiser in south Phoenix

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- A child is in the hospital after being hit by a police cruiser in Phoenix on Wednesday evening.

Sgt. Brian Bower with Phoenix Police said just before 6 p.m., a patrol officer and assistant had just finished a call when they were turning near 11th Avenue and Yuma Road. As they were driving, they saw a young girl waving at them from the front yard of a home, trying to get their attention. However, as officers were waving at the girl, they saw another child in the road at the last minute, Bower said. The officer tried to stop but unfortunately struck the child.

The child was taken to the hospital and as of 11 a.m. Thursday, remains in critical condition. “We are all heartbroken that such a young child was involved in an accident that has caused serious injuries. Our prayers go out to the family. We’re all hoping for a speedy recovery, not just the Phoenix Police Department but the community,” Bower said. “Everybody’s affected, both officers and family with such a horrific situation that we encountered today.”

“The little girl was trying to get her cousin before the baby went into the street,” said Venus Garcia, who witnesses the impact. When we were leaving, the cop carried the baby from underneath the car to the next house over,” Gracia said.

While police have not released the age or gender of the child, family members tell Arizona’s Family that it’s a two-year-old boy who was injured. The officer was also taken to a hospital but has since been released. During the investigation, 11th Avenue was closed between Pima and Yuma streets.

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