ELYRIA, OH – A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after being struck by a police cruiser on Friday evening. The incident occurred at the scene of an earlier hit-and-run accident on West Avenue and 11th Street, where the teenager was reportedly trying to assist victims trapped in a vehicle.
The jarring video footage, which has since gone viral, shows the boy being hit by the police vehicle as it arrived at the chaotic crash site. Witnesses claim that the teen was acting as a Good Samaritan, attempting to aid those involved in the initial accident. The driver and passenger of a stolen silver Honda had fled on foot, leaving two people trapped in the wreckage.
The teen managed to get up after being struck but soon collapsed on a nearby lawn, bleeding profusely from his head and other injuries. Bystanders rushed to his aid while the police officer, who had been driving the cruiser, asked if he was okay. The officer’s actions are now under investigation, raising questions about the speed and caution exercised while approaching the accident scene.
Witnesses expressed shock and trauma over the incident, noting that the police cruiser did not have its siren activated, although its lights were on. “It happened so fast, you wouldn’t have thought the cop was coming,” said one witness who captured the event on a cell phone video. “The road was already blocked off because of the crash.”
Ricky Lanning, another witness, believes the officer should have exercised more caution. “He shouldn’t have sped through a dangerous crash site knowing there could be emergency responders in the area,” Lanning said, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such scenes.
Despite the severity of his injuries, neighbors have reported that the boy is expected to recover. However, police have not provided an official update on his condition but have extended their wishes for a speedy recovery. The Elyria police officer involved in the incident has been placed on administrative leave, following standard protocol in such cases.