7-year-old Oklahoma girl hospitalized after being struck by car pulling out of parking lot
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
SAPULA, OKLAHOMA: A 7-year-old was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle outside Holmes Park Elementary in Sapulpa.
Police were called to the school at around 8.30 am on January 30 following a report of a driver hitting a young child.
Additional details about the incident and a description of the driver have emerged as part of the ongoing investigation, as per KJRH.
What did Captain Troy Foreman claim?
As per 2 News Oklahoma, Captain Troy Foreman stated that the driver left the scene unknowingly, as they were not aware they had hit anyone.
Describing the incident involving the hospitalized 7-year-old, Foreman explained, "As they were pulling out of the parking lot, they had stopped to look to their left."
He also highlighted the sequence of events leading up to the tragic occurrence, saying, "There were two other students walking on the sidewalk approaching the driveway. One of the students had walked in front of the vehicle unbeknownst to the SUV driver."
The driver, operating a tall vehicle, such as a GMC Acadia, contributed to the collision due to limited visibility.
The SUV driver failed to notice the child on the right as they pulled out, Foreman elaborated, "You've got a child that's seven years old, so a little bit shorter, and an SUV, this was a GMC Acadia, so it sits a bit higher."
He added, “This was a grandmother dropping off her grandchild, As she pulled to a stop at the exit, she was looking left, because that’s the direction the traffic was coming from as she was starting to turn right, and she didn’t see the girl who had stepped off the sidewalk to cross the street.”
He concluded, “She wasn’t fleeing the scene, even though it technically became a hit-and-run at that point," as per Sapulatimes.
The collision involved multiple factors, including obstructed visibility and not checking right while exiting the parking lot.
Despite being transported to a Tulsa hospital by first responders, the child remained alert. Authorities located the driver, who is reportedly cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Sapulpa Public Schools Superintendent visited the hospitalized girl
Trevor James, a parent at Holmes Park, expressed concern upon learning about such an incident occurring at his daughter's school.
He shared his concerns, stating, "She's not a walker, but it makes me concerned if I were to let her walk in the future that I just can't really trust people to pay attention."
James emphasized his proactive approach, mentioning, "I get out myself and open her door and let her out, making sure I watch her go to the school, and I know she's safe that way."
Sapulpa Public Schools Superintendent Rob Armstrong and Assistant Superintendent Johnny Bilby visited the hospitalized student and spoke with her mother.
They reported that the student is stable, and the hospital is conducting further tests.
In response to the incident, the school issued a statement urging extreme caution for drivers in school zones and during student drop-off and pick-up.
The school emphasized the importance of safety in these areas.
