ST. LOUIS – According to the police, a pickup truck struck a 4-year-old boy while he was out playing with other kids. This happened around 5:30 p.m., and that little boy died shortly after in the hospital.
This took place on Taft Avenue, near the post office on Ridgewood Avenue. The police said that the child was playing with friends when he ran between a parked red van and a white truck into the street. That is when a white Toyota Tacoma struck him.
The police explained that it doesn’t look like the driver had enough time to react and that the driver lives on that block. Investigators shared that the man stayed at the scene and is cooperating with police. They also added that the driver was very shaken up.
Lt. Paul Lauer says it does not appear the driver was speeding or driving recklessly and the driver has not been charged.
“We talk a lot about speed being a factor, or careless, reckless driving; I don’t think that was the case here,” Lauer expressed.” “I think it was just an accident, but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings with the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer.”
Police are reminding people to be extra cautious when driving, especially through neighborhoods. FOX 2 will update this story with more information as it becomes available.