A tragic incident unfolded at the Bradford Apartments in north Tulsa, where a three-year-old boy lost his life following a car accident. The accident occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, prompting immediate response from local authorities and first responders.
Key Takeaways
- A three-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle in a parking lot.
- The child was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
- Surveillance footage indicated the vehicle was traveling at a reasonable speed.
- Bystanders reacted aggressively towards the driver after the incident.
- The investigation is ongoing, with no charges filed against the driver yet.
Incident Overview
According to the Tulsa Police Department, the first calls regarding the accident were received shortly after 8:45 p.m. Officers arrived to find the young boy had been hit by a car. Despite the swift response from first responders, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
Officer Danny Bean provided insights into the preliminary investigation, stating that the child ran into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the parking lot. Surveillance video from the complex showed the car traveling at a speed of 25-30 miles per hour when the accident occurred.
Eyewitness Accounts
The boy's mother witnessed the accident and expressed her belief that the driver was speeding. However, police indicated that evidence from the scene suggested the driver was operating the vehicle at a reasonable speed for the area. The vehicle reportedly dragged the child approximately 5-10 feet after the impact.
Residents of the apartment complex shared their shock and sorrow over the incident. One resident, Patience, recalled seeing the child earlier that day, describing him as a joyful boy who was playing on a scooter and smiling at those around him.
Aftermath and Community Response
Following the accident, tensions escalated as bystanders confronted the driver. Reports indicate that some residents fired shots at the vehicle as it attempted to leave the scene, hitting it twice. Officer Bean noted that the driver felt threatened and returned to the scene only after police arrived.
Both the driver and the victim's family have been cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Authorities have stated that they do not believe the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A blood test was conducted as a precautionary measure.
Legal Considerations
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the driver has not been charged with any crime. The decision regarding potential charges will ultimately rest with the District Attorney's office as the investigation continues.
This heartbreaking incident has left the community in mourning, with many residents expressing their condolences and support for the grieving family. The local authorities are committed to providing updates as more information becomes available, ensuring transparency throughout the investigation process.
